Judgement in Lutfozzaman Babar's graft case on Tuesday

A Dhaka court will deliver its judgement on Tuesday in a case filed against former state minister for home Lutfozzaman Babar on charges of amassing illegal wealth to the tune of Tk 7.5 crore and concealing information.

Judge Mohammad Shahidul Islam of Dhaka Special Judges Court-7 will deliver the judgement.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed the case against Babar.

On October 4, Judge Mohammad Shahidul Islam fixed the date to deliver the verdict after hearing closing arguments of both prosecution and defence in the case.

Earlier, a court in Dhaka awarded Babar death penalty in August 21 grenade attack case.

During the closing hearings, the prosecution told the court that it had been able to prove the charges against Babar, and sought the highest punishment for him.

For their part, defence lawyers sought acquittal of their client claiming that the prosecution had failed to prove the charges against him.

The court on September 21 read out the charges brought against Babar and testimonies of the prosecution witnesses. The court then asked Babar whether or not he wished to plead guilty.

In reply, Babar pleaded not guilty and demanded justice from the court.

Babar was arrested from his Gulshan residence on May 28, 2007 during the reign of Fakhruddin-led caretaker government. He was sentenced to 17 years of imprisonment in an arms case on October 30, 2007.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed the case against Babar with Ramna police on January 13, 2008, accusing him of amassing wealth of around Tk 7.05 crore illegally.

ACC Deputy Assistant Director Rupok Kumar Saha submitted the charge sheet in the case on July 16, 2008. A Dhaka court on August 12 of the same year indicted Babar in this case.

He was also sentenced to death in the 10-truck arms haul and August 21 grenade attack cases.