Summary:
- Former State Minister for Home Affairs Lutfozzaman Babar was released after 17 years in prison following his acquittal in several high-profile cases.
- The High Court cleared Babar of charges in the 10-truck arms haul and August 21 grenade attack cases, overturning previous death and life sentences.
- Supporters celebrated his release with garlands, while Babar visited BNP founder Ziaur Rahman’s grave before heading to his Gulshan residence.
- His freedom has sparked political reactions, energizing BNP supporters and raising concerns among opponents ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming elections.
Former State Minister for Home Affairs Lutfozzaman Babar was released today from Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj after spending over 17 years behind bars. Babar walked free at approximately 1:45 PM, greeted by a crowd of supporters and party activists who had gathered outside the prison gates to celebrate his release. Many adorned him with flower garlands as a gesture of welcome.
Babar’s release follows a series of legal victories that culminated in his acquittal in several high-profile cases, including the 10-truck arms haul case and the August 21 grenade attack case. On January 14, the High Court acquitted him and four others in the arms haul case, effectively clearing all legal barriers to his freedom. This decision marked the final chapter in a protracted legal battle that began with his arrest on May 28, 2007, during Bangladesh’s state of emergency.
Upon his release, Babar expressed plans to visit the grave of former President Ziaur Rahman, founder of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka. He is then expected to return to his residence in Gulshan.
Babar’s wife, Tahmina Zaman Sraboni, hailed his release as a triumph of justice. “After 17 long years, justice has finally been served through the court’s verdict,” she said.
The news of Babar’s release has sparked celebrations among BNP supporters and residents of his constituency in Netrakona-4. In his home district and other areas like Mymensingh and Netrakona, numerous arches and banners have been erected to commemorate his return. Local supporters traveled to Dhaka in large numbers to witness the occasion.
Babar’s political career has been marked by both influence and controversy. A member of the BNP, he served as State Minister for Home Affairs from 2001 to 2006 under Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s government. Known for his proximity to BNP senior leader Tarique Rahman, Babar played a prominent role in shaping law enforcement policies during his tenure, including the formation of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). However, he also faced allegations of corruption and involvement in criminal conspiracies.
In recent years, Babar had been convicted and sentenced to death in multiple cases, including the August 21 grenade attack on an Awami League rally in 2004 and the smuggling of arms intended for insurgents in India’s Assam state. Both cases were overturned by the High Court between October and December 2024, citing insufficient evidence and procedural flaws.
Babar’s release comes amid a politically charged environment as Bangladesh prepares for its next general election. His acquittal and subsequent freedom are likely to energize BNP supporters while drawing criticism from political opponents who view these developments as setbacks for justice.
For now, Lutfozzaman Babar begins a new chapter after nearly two decades behind bars—a journey that will undoubtedly continue to shape political discourse in Bangladesh.
