The car belonging to Sheikh Hasina which bore the brunt of the grenade attack is now used for VVIP protocol.
After AL came to power through the 2008 national elections, the bullet proof Mercedes Benz car was given to the Bangabhaban transport pool, said the PM’s personal driver, Ali Hossain.
Relevant to note, he is the brother of Nur Hossain, killed on 10 November, 1987 during the anti-autocracy movement.
The light blue Mercedes Benz was presented to her by UK based political benefactors for safety and security.
On 21 August, 2004, before the rally finished, militants carried out grenade attack from three sides at 5:22 pm.
On that day, Matin was driving the car. Quoting Matin, Ali Hossain said: “party leaders and workers tried to save Sheikh Hasia by forming a human shield around her.
One of the tyres of the car was punctured and the windows affected, but under tremendous mental stress Matin took Sheikh Hasina to Sudha Sadan.
Recounting the harrowing events, Ali Hossain, said: “On that day, my responsibility was to drive a red Nissan jeep; the car’s windows were shattered and my leg was injured.”
It was as if Armageddon has struck, said Ali and added: “I took the injured including Ivy Rahman to the hospital.”
Later, Ivy Hossain, died of her wounds.
As evidence of the case, the CID thoroughly inspected the car and later the vehicle was given for VVIP protocol duty.