No bar to Babar's release, HC acquits all in 10-truck arms haul

Senior Staff Reporter Published: 14 January 2025, 04:07 PM
No bar to Babar's release, HC acquits all in 10-truck arms haul

The High Court has acquitted former State Minister for Home Affairs Lutfozzaman Babar and five others in the high-profile 10-truck arms smuggling case, clearing the way for Babar's release.

The verdict was delivered on Tuesday (January 14) by a bench comprising Justice Mustafa Zaman Islam and Justice Nasrin Akhter after reviewing the death reference and appeals filed by the accused.

Lawyer Shishir Manir represented Babar in court, while Deputy Attorney General Sultana Akhter Ruby and Assistant Attorney General M Asif Imran Zisan appeared for the state. Senior lawyer SM Shahjahan defended the other accused.

In addition to Babar, the High Court acquitted five other accused, including Mohsin Talukder, Enamul Haque, and Razzakul Haider. The sentences of six death row convicts were reduced to 10 years of imprisonment.

Moreover, Paresh Barua, a military commander of the Indian separatist organisation United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), had his death sentence commuted to life imprisonment.

The case stems from the seizure of 10 trucks loaded with arms in Chattogram on December 18, a case that has been a focal point of discussion and scrutiny in Bangladesh.

This landmark verdict marks a significant turn in the legal proceedings, bringing an end to years of deliberation. For Babar, it removes any remaining legal barriers to his release following his earlier acquittal in the smuggling case.