The August 21, 2004 Grenade Attack on Bangabandhu Avenue: Timeline and Impact

Published on Durbar Bagerhat | Bangladesh History Series

Dhaka, Bangladesh — On the afternoon of August 21, 2004, an Awami League anti-terrorism rally on Bangabandhu Avenue in central Dhaka came under attack. At approximately 5:22 PM, multiple grenades were thrown toward the stage where party president Sheikh Hasina was addressing supporters. The assault killed 24 people and injured more than 300.

2. Timeline of Events: What Happened at 5:22 PM

Timeline - August 21, 2004

5:20 PM: Sheikh Hasina takes the stage on Bangabandhu Avenue.

5:22 PM: First grenade explodes. Panic spreads.

5:22 - 5:25 PM: Multiple grenades detonate in succession.

5:30 PM: Party activists evacuate Sheikh Hasina.

4. Investigation and Legal Proceedings

In October 2018, a Dhaka court delivered verdicts in tche case. Several former ministers and officials were convicted. Appeals have continued since.

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References

1. The Daily Star. "24 killed in grenade attack on Awami League rally." August 22, 2004.
2. BBC Bangla. "২১ আগস্ট মামলার রায়: যা আছে রায়ে." October 10, 2018.
3. Human Rights Watch. "Bangladesh: Investigate Dhaka Bombing." August 23, 200