Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Sheikh Hasina yesterday attended an Iftar in the city with orphans, freedom fighters and the family members of the August 21 victims and injured.

Hasina, also Awami League (AL) president, exchanged pleasantries with the victims' family members while a pall of gloom descended the Iftar party as Hasina enquired about their condition.

A special munajat was offered at the Iftar party at the Dhanmondi office of the AL president praying for the salvation of the departed souls and peace and prosperity of the country.

Twenty-two people, including AL leader Ivy Rahman, were killed and more than 400 injured on August 21 last year grenade attack on the AL rally at the Bangabandhu Avenue in the city.

Zillur Rahman MP, Jubo League leader Mostaq Hossain Sentu's widow Irene Sultana, his daughter Afsana Ahmed and his mother, two sons of Rafiqul Islam alias 'Ada Chacha' -Mamun and Pallab, daughter Maya and grandchild Afroz, Abul Kalam Azad's widow Maqsuda Azad, his children Al Amin and Mahfuza Azad, Ratan Sikder's widow Nusrat Jahan and two children -- Ananda and Apurba, Sheikh Hasina's personal security guard Mahbub's widow Shamima, two sons-- Asif and Robin, were present at the Iftar party.

Hasina, who herself bursts into tears, embraced them and consoled the family members.

Earlier, Hasina also exchanged pleasantries with Dhaka City AL leaders and workers at another Iftar party at a community centre in front of her party office at Dhanmondi.