After 19 years, Babar revisits home ministry to attend meeting on Tarique’s security
Tarique Rahman will return soon, says Babar after meeting home adviser
BNP leader and former state minister for home affairs Lutfuzzaman Babar today (14 September) returned to the home ministry after nearly two decades to attend a high-level meeting focused on the security of acting party chairman Tarique Rahman.
After the meeting with Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury at the secretariat, Babar told reporters that Tarique Rahman will "return to the country soon."
He entered the home adviser's office around 4:15pm with a delegation and left at 6:20pm.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The meeting was also attended by Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Khoda Baksh Chowdhury, Senior Secretary Nasimul Gani, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam, and former senior secretary Kamruzzaman.
Speaking to reporters, Babar expressed gratitude after being acquitted and released from jail following 17 and a half years.
Babar explained that the BNP delegation's purpose was to raise concerns and extend cooperation to the interim government.
"We had a very sincere and cordial discussion. We presented our concerns, and they agreed. The talks were fruitful," he noted.
Among the concerns, Babar cited reports of the fallen government members allegedly meeting with S Alam Group in a neighbouring country to sabotage Bangladesh's elections and trigger violence.
He also mentioned issues such as the recovery of illegal and looted weapons.
On recruitment, he raised questions about the direct hiring of assistant sub-inspectors (ASIs).
"Normally, recruitment is for constables, SIs, and ASPs. Constables can later be promoted to ASIs and inspectors, while SIs can be elevated to DIGs. This unusual recruitment of ASIs has been discussed," he said.
Asked about the law and order situation, Babar replied, "They are trying hard to do better."
Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam described the meeting as largely a courtesy call.
"I worked with Sir [Babar] for three years, so I have known him for a long time. We talked about family and various issues. Some state matters may have come up in the context of our discussion, but it was not a major part of it," he said.
