Babar visits home ministry after 18 years, Tarique’s security in discussion

Former State Minister for Home Affairs Lutfozzaman Babar visited the Ministry of Home Affairs on Sunday (September 14) after nearly 18 years. He arrived at the Secretariat at 4:22 pm and paid a courtesy call on the current Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.

According to sources, the meeting was primarily a courtesy call. However, discussions also touched on the possible return of BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to the country soon, with a focus on ensuring his comprehensive and round-the-clock security. Ministry sources further stated that issues relating to nationwide law and order, border security, and crime control using modern technology were also briefly discussed.

Lutfozzaman Babar served as State Minister for Home Affairs from 2001 to 2006 under the four-party alliance government. During his tenure, he frequently drew attention—sometimes praised, other times criticised. His appearance at the Ministry drew the presence of journalists and officials from various intelligence agencies.

Babar, a former lawmaker from Netrokona-4 constituency, served as state minister for home affairs in the cabinet of former prime minister Khaleda Zia from 2001 to 2006.

His name was later included in the charge sheet of the 21 August 2004 grenade attack case alongside BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman.

On 1 October 2018, a Dhaka court sentenced him to death in the case.

However, on 1 December 2024, the High Court acquitted him, and on 16 January 2025, he was cleared of all cases.

He was released from Keraniganj Central Jail that day, ending more than 17 and a half years of imprisonment.

The meeting was attended by Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Special Assistant Khodabox Chowdhury, Senior Secretary Nasimul Gani, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam, former Senior Secretary Kamruzzaman, and former Additional IGP Mahbubur Rahman.