Lutfozzaman Babar acquitted of 17-year sentence in arms case, cleared of all charges

Lutfozzaman Babar, the former State Minister for Home Affairs, has been acquitted of a 17-year prison sentence in a case involving the recovery of firearms from his residence. 

The decision was delivered by the High Court on Wednesday, with Justice Mustafa Zaman Islam and Justice Nasreen Akter presiding over the case.

This ruling means that Babar has been freed from all legal charges, and he no longer faces any legal obstacles that could prevent him from participating in elections or other activities. 

The court criticized the process of filing the case, calling it illegal. 

Additionally, the testimonies from witnesses were found to be inconsistent and contradictory, further weakening the case against him.

Babar’s lawyer, Shishir Monir, argued that the case was a result of a plot to frame him because he had refused to testify against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and her family members.

The case’s history dates back to May 27, 2007, when Babar was arrested by the joint forces. A week later, an arms case was filed against him at Gulshan Police Station. 

On October 30, 2007, the Dhaka Metropolitan Special Tribunal sentenced Babar to 17 years in prison for possessing an unlicensed revolver.

After filing an appeal with the High Court in 2007, Babar has finally received a ruling on the case. 

He had spent nearly 17 years behind bars, and he was only released on January 16, 2025, following the downfall of the Awami League government, which came after a student-led uprising on August 5, 2024.

With the High Court’s recent ruling, Babar is now officially cleared of all charges and is free to move forward without any legal restrictions.