Babar released from Jail after 17 yrs

Staff Reporter :

Lutfuzzaman Babar, the former state minister for home affairs, has been released from jail after serving 17 years. He was freed from Keraniganj Central Jail at around 1:45 PM on Thursday, January 16, as confirmed by Mohammad Jahangir Kabir, DIG of Prisons in the Dhaka Division.

Babar’s release follows a landmark ruling on January 14, when he was acquitted of a life sentence related to the infamous 10-truck arms smuggling case in Chittagong. The High Court bench, led by Justice Mustafa Zaman Islam and Justice Nasreen Akter, ruled in his favor in a separate arms-related case, clearing him of all charges.

The news has sparked joy among BNP leaders, supporters, relatives, and residents of Babar’s constituency in Mymensingh and Netrokona. Celebrations have erupted, with numerous arches erected in his honor and people traveling to Dhaka to welcome him. Festivities were also organized at the prison gate to mark his release.

Speaking to the media, his wife, Tahmina Jamal Shraboni, expressed optimism for the future. “After 17 long years, justice has been served through the court’s verdict. The people of the country have eagerly awaited his return, and he is equally eager to serve them again,” she said, adding that Babar’s release represents hope for the aspirations of the people of Lower Bengal (Bhati Bangla).

Lutfuzzaman Babar was arrested on May 28, 2007, and faced numerous legal challenges, including two death sentences and a life sentence. However, following the political changes after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5 last year, Babar was acquitted in a series of appeals.

He was released from an eight-year sentence in a corruption case on October 23 and cleared of charges in the August 21 grenade attack case-where he was initially sentenced to death-on December 1.