Dhaka: Stating that the party wants exemplary punishment of the real perpetrators of the August 21 grenade attack, BNP on Monday alleged that the government is making efforts to fulfill its desire using the case as a political weapon.

Speaking at a press conference, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir suggested the government to rethink about the ‘venomous’ consequences of using August 21 grenade attack case for suppressing its opponents, reports the UNB.

‘As in the past, we still condemn and protest the brutal incident of August 21 grenade on an Awami League rally in 2004. We want the trial and exemplary punishment of the real perpetrators of the attack to stop the recurrence of such a ruthless incident,’ he said.

The BNP leader further said, ‘But the government’s naked efforts to unfairly imperil the top BNP leaders and BNP using police, detectives, investigation officer and judiciary by cashing in on the incident can in no way be acceptable in a civilised society.’

In the wake of top ruling party leaders’ comments involving its chairperson Khaleda Zia and acting chairman Tarique Rahman with the August 21 incident, BNP arranged the press meet at its Nayapaltan central office.

Refuting the ruling party’s allegations against Khaleda and Tarique, Fakhrul accused the government of trying to use the issue as a weapon to suppress and weaken its main political opponents.

The BNP leader also said the government carried out the investigation into the incident by a party leader and retired police officer, Abdul Kahar Akand, with a political motive.

‘They (govt) are now making evil efforts to satisfy their political desire through the judiciary. We strongly condemn and protest such a move.’