Babar walks out of prison after 17 years

After serving 17 years, senior BNP leader Lutfozzaman Babar, who was also the former state minister for home affairs, was freed from prison today (16 January). He was released from Keraniganj Central Jail following his acquittal in all cases against him. He was welcomed with garlands. 

Babar was seen dressed in a crisp white panjabi, surrounded by supporters. Many also showered him with flowers. Babar wore a smile and waved at his supporters. AIG Prisons (development) Jannat Ul Forhad said Babar might be released within the afternoon. 

News of Babar's impending release drew large crowds to the gates of the central jail, with family members and party activists gathering in anticipation. "We are ecstatic. I cannot explain in words. Our leader is finally being freed after being prisoned by the [former] fascist government," one of the supporters said.  

"No MP has suffered the terrible injustice and torture as faced by Babar. We pray that Babar comes back and we can go back to how things were," another supporter said. Babar is expected to go to his home in Netrakona following his release.

Earlier on 14 January, the High Court acquitted Babar in a case filed under the Arms Act over the controversial 10-truck arms haul in Chattogram of 2004. With this ruling, Babar was cleared of all charges in the cases against him, removing any legal barriers to his release.

On 18 December last year, the High Court acquitted Babar and five others from death sentence in another case filed under the Special Powers Act over the 10-truck arms haul.

Over the years, he was convicted in several cases which led to sentences including two death sentences and a life sentence. However, following the fall of the Awami League government after a student-led uprising on 5 August last year, appeals in these cases led to his acquittal.

Notably, on 23 October, Babar was acquitted of an 8-year sentence in a corruption case, and on 1 December, he was cleared of charges in the 21 August grenade attack case, where he had previously been sentenced to death.