A Dhaka court has acquitted BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, former state minister for home affairs Lutfozzaman Babar, and six others in a bribery case linked to securing immunity in a murder trial. According to a BNP lawyer, this verdict removes any legal obstacles for Tarique’s return to Bangladesh.

Judge Abu Taher of Dhaka Special Judge Court 3 delivered the verdict on Thursday, Bangla Tribune reports.

With this acquittal, Tarique—currently residing in the UK—and Babar no longer have any pending cases in trial courts, according to BBC Bangla.

The case alleged that Tk21 crore was taken in bribes to grant immunity to Shafiat Sobhan Sanvir, an accused in the murder of Bashundhara Group director Engineer Sabbir. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had filed the case during the 1/11 caretaker government period.

BNP lawyer Borhan Uddin told reporters that the ACC failed to provide sufficient evidence against the accused. He further stated that with no remaining legal barriers, Tarique is now free to return to Bangladesh and resume his political activities.