Dhaka, Nov. 22 -- Former home minister Lutfozzaman Babar has claimed Awami League ministers used to visit him while he was in prison.

At a rally in Netrokona's Mohanganj on Saturday, he claimed he endured 17 and a half years in jail on "false" cases, receiving three death sentences and three life terms from Sheikh Hasina.

He said, "She [Hasina] would have hanged me if she has stayed for another year, because I did not do what she asked me to.

"Ministers and other people used to visit me at different times every year, but I did not respond to their words. I have returned because of your love."

On the final day of his three-day tour, he held street meetings in different parts of the Upazila.

During his speeches, he urged locals not to ...