Dhaka, Dec 20 (Inditop.com) The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former prime minister Khaleda Zia, has withdrawn an expulsion order against former state minister for home Lutfozzaman Babar who was detained on charges of murder and connection with Islamist militancy. Babar had been a close aide to Zia’s son Tarique Rahman for whom a special post has been created in the party.
Babar was arrested in a murder case filed in connection with the Aug 21, 2004 grenade blasts at a Awami League rally at which Sheikh Hasina, who is now prime minister, had a narrow escape. Twenty-eight of Hasina’s political associates died.
Investigations and trial in this case have shown Babar having links with Harkat-ul-Jihad Islami (HuJI) Bangladesh. He was imprisoned after arms were found from his residence in 2007.
Babar was expelled from the party Dec 26 last year for refusing to pull out of the Dec 29 general election as an independent candidate.
The Daily Star quoted an official BNP announcement that said the decision was being taken at the instance of “honourable chairperson (Zia)”.
