TDS Desk:

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Saturday said the police would not take the blame if its former chief Benazir Ahmed committed corruption.

“If someone does wrong, the individual will be tried as per the law,” the minister said at a programme at Dhaka University.

He said, “If former IGP [inspector general of police] Benazir Ahmed involved himself in corruption, it would be his personal issue. The police will not take responsibility for that. What he has done will be known after the investigation.”

The minister added, “I heard that he [Benazir] left the country although no embargo has been put on his departure. Though I am not aware of the issue, I will talk about this after knowing the details.”

‘Benazir in Singapore’

The former head of the police along with his wife has reportedly gone to Singapore amid an inquiry by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) into his alleged illegal wealth.

Benazir and his wife Zeeshan Mirza left the country on a flight of Singapore Airlines on 4 May, according to a reliable source.

He went to Singapore in the name of treatment of his wife, the source said, adding that he left the country after informing some influential people of the matter.

The source said the former IGP had been aware beforehand that there might be ACC summons and court orders for the confiscation of his wealth and freezing of bank accounts.

The influential quarters informed him of everything, the source claimed.

Sensing the matter, Benazir and his family members withdrew money amounting to around Tk100 crore from their bank accounts before those were frozen as per the court order.

Meanwhile, another source said Benazir went to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 12 April and he is now staying there.

Allegations of corruption:

The Kaler Kantho and the Daily Sun, in early April, published a series of reports detailing the wealth and properties allegedly acquired through illegal means by Benazir Ahmed and his family members which sparked a widespread discussion throughout the country.

Supreme Court lawyer Syed Sayedul Haque Suman approached the ACC seeking an investigation into allegations against the ex-IGP of amassing huge illegal wealth by abusing power.

Later, the High Court asked the ACC to submit a progress report on the investigation into the alleged illegal wealth of the former IGP and his family within two months.

On 22 April, the ACC told the media that it formed a three-member committee, led by Deputy Director Md Hafizul Islam, to investigate the allegations against the former IGP of amassing huge illegal wealth through abusing power.

On 23 May, Judge Mohammad As-Shams Jaglul Hossain of Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge’s Court ordered the confiscation of 345 bighas (114 acres) of land under 83 deeds and the freezing of 33 bank accounts belonging to Benazir and his family members.

At the request of the ACC, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) then sent letters to various banks seeking information and informed the commission later on. Based on the information of the ACC, the court ordered the confiscation of 345 bighas of land and the freezing of 33 bank accounts.

On 26 May, the same court also ordered the confiscation of land under 119 more deeds, shares in 23 companies and four flats in Gulshan, belonging to Benazir and his family members.

The ACC was also asked to confiscate shares in 19 business firms, three BO accounts and Tk30 lakh savings certificates.

Benazir, family members summoned:

The national anti-graft watchdog summoned Benazir to appear before the commission on 6 June for facing interrogation over his alleged illegal wealth while his wife and their three daughters were asked to appear on 9 June.

Sources said the former head of the police force and his family members may comply through their lawyers.

ACC discovers ex-IGP’s more wealth:

It has been learnt that the ACC has found more assets of the ex-IGP. It will soon seek the court order to attach those as well.

The newly recovered wealth includes a tea garden in Panchagarh, a resort at Thanchi in Bandarban, another resort in Gazipur, a textiles mill in Gazipur and 3-4 lighterage ships that are being operated under the banner of a renowned company.

Integrity Award and sanctions:

Benazir Ahmed served as the IGP from 15 April 2020 to 30 September 2022. Prior to this, he was the commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police and the director general of the RAB. During his tenure as the RAB DG and the IGP, Benazir played a key role in curbing anti-government movements and militancy in the country. In recognition of his professional integrity, he was awarded the Integrity Award for 2020-21.

On 10 December 2021, the United States imposed human rights-related sanctions on the RAB and seven top officials, including Benazir.