TDS Desk:

The appointment to the post of Inspector General of Police (IGP) proved to be a boon for Benazir Ahmed and his family members as wealth began accumulating in his name following his elevation to the highest post in the police force.

The former IGP, along with his family members, acquired over 466 bighas of land during the last three years of his service. With investments amounting to hundreds of crores of taka in 19 companies, the family became a full-fledged business entity.

According to the documents obtained by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Benazir Ahmed served as Inspector General of Police from 15 April 2020 to 30 September 2022. Before retiring from service, he bought a total of 466.79 bighas (155.59 acres) of land in the name of his wife and three children. These acquisitions were made through 163 separate deeds.

Apart from flats and plots, the ownership of 19 companies operating in the country was acquired by Benazir’s family. Furthermore, the family has invested heavily in companies listed on the capital market, as well as in funds and savings bonds.

Benazir Ahmed claimed income from his family’s agricultural farm and agricultural investments in a video message posted on his Facebook page on 20 April. However, investigations have revealed that the agricultural and fishing farm in Sahapur union of Gopalganj Sadar upazila, which he refers to, was not inherited from family sources. His agricultural enterprise, Savanna Agro Farm, is located about 40 km away from his ancestral home in Dimadanga village under Patgachi union of Tungipara upazila.

Locals said Benazir Ahmed started purchasing land in Sahapur in 2010. Since then, he has acquired hundreds of bighas of land and established 15 fish ponds. Contrary to Benazir’s claims, locals believe it is implausible to amass such substantial wealth from operating 15 fish ponds.

Following several reports published by different newspapers on the former IGP’s illegal wealth accumulation, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) initiated a preliminary investigation, uncovering assets purchased in the name of Benazir Ahmed and his family members. As per court orders, these movable and immovable assets registered under Benazir Ahmed and his family are now being seized and blocked.

When contacted, former IGP of Police Nur Mohammad stated that it is standard practice that no government official or employee can conduct business in their own area.

He noted that if any government official engages in business in violation of this law, legal action can be taken against them.