'August 21 grenade attack aimed at eliminating politics of emancipation'

"The communal forces, defeated in 1971, became united during the BNP-Jamaat-led alliance government and carried out the attack in 2004," he said.

Jalil, also the coordinator of 14-party opposition combine, was speaking at a memorial discussion marking the second death anniversary of AL leader Ivy Rahman at the National Press Club in the city.

He said from the activities of about 500 law enforcers present at the spot during the grenade attack, it is clear that the government was involved in the killings.

Jalil said to confuse the common people the government is propagating that some foreign power is involved in this attack.

"If so, it is the government's duty to identify that foreign power," he added.

"We won't demand trial of the killers from the government," he said, asking, "What is the use of seeking justice for murder from the killers?"

Jalil said for establishing justice in the society there is no alternative to a pro-people government and that is why the elections must be free and fair.

"We have to foil all conspiracies of the vested quarters centring the upcoming election," he added.

Saber Hossain Chowdhury, political secretary to opposition leader and AL chief, said the best way to pay tribute to Ivy Rahman and 23 other victims who died in the attack is to ensuring trial of their killers.

"We have to ensure emancipation of common people for which they sacrificed their lives," he added.

AL Presidium Member Zillur Rahman, also the husband of Ivy Rahman, said experts from different international organisations came here to investigate the matter but due to non-cooperation of the government they went back.

"It is difficult to believe that such an attack could take place in the hub of the city in broad daylight without the patronisation of the government," he said.

Convenor of Ivy Rahman Parishad Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique chaired the discussion where the victims of the attack and other AL leaders also spoke.