That humid August afternoon changed Bangladesh politics, perhaps forever. An Awami League rally was in progress at the Bangabandhu Avenue and it was around 5.15pm at the fag end of the rally when Sheikh Hasina, then the opposition leader, started her speech from the top of an open truck.
On 21 August 2004, several military grade grenades were hurled at an Awami League rally in Bangabandhu Avenue, Dhaka. Twenty-four leaders and activists of the Awami League and its associate bodies were killed and over 300 others suffered splinter injuries in the August 21 attack. Among the dead were Ivy Rahman, then Mohila Awami League Chief and also the wife of late President Zillur Rahman. Many of the injured became crippled for life. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, then opposition leader, narrowly escaped the attack with ear injuries, an ailment she carries till today.