Former state minister for home affairs Lutfozzaman Babar was set to be released from Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj on Thursday after being acquitted in all cases against him, with news of his release drawing large crowds from his hometown to the capital as well as BNP leaders and activists.
Following 17 years of imprisonment, the Department of Prisons confirmed his imminent release from Dhaka Central Jail scheduled for the afternoon.
Relatives and supporters are gathered outside the prison, eagerly awaiting his release.
A motorcade was ready to escort him upon his exit from the prison gate.
Earlier, on Tuesday, Babar was acquitted of the life sentence imposed under the Arms Act in connection with the infamous 10-truck arms smuggling case in Chittagong.
This decision marks Babar’s acquittal in all cases against him, clearing the way for his release.
Lutfozzaman Babar was arrested on May 28, 2007 and received various sentences in multiple cases, including two death penalties and a life sentence.
However, after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5 last year, following a student-led mass uprising, Babar’s appeals were heard, leading to his gradual acquittal.
Notably, he was acquitted of an eight-year corruption sentence on October 23 and of the August 21 grenade attack case, where he had initially been sentenced to death, on December 1.