Reported By: Bangladesh – Location: Bangladesh
The key allegations against former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir (Benjir) Ahmed are as follows:
1. Illegal Wealth Accumulation: Benazir Ahmed is accused of amassing a vast empire of illegal wealth, totaling thousands of crores of taka. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has identified assets worth approximately Tk 43.46 crore, accumulated beyond his known sources of income. This includes movable and immovable properties registered under his name and that of his family.
2. Passport Fraud: Despite being a high-ranking police official, Benazir Ahmed fraudulently acquired ordinary passports instead of official or diplomatic ones. He concealed his true identity and misrepresented himself as a private employee during passport applications and renewals. The fraudulent activity was discovered during a renewal process, but Benazir used his influence to navigate and secure the passports.
3. Misuse of Influence: Benazir allegedly used his illegal influence to secure passport renewals and acquisitions. Despite being entitled to a diplomatic passport due to his position as IGP, he continued to apply for ordinary passports, a move that raised suspicions and was deemed against protocol.
4. Property and Asset Seizures: Investigations revealed significant property holdings, including land and flats, both within Bangladesh and potentially abroad. Following these revelations, courts have ordered the seizure and freezing of various assets belonging to Benazir and his family.
5. International Assets: The ACC is probing the possibility of Benazir Ahmed and his family holding assets overseas. This involves investigating seven passports associated with Benazir and collecting information on their international holdings.
6. Legal and Investigation Processes: The High Court has directed the ACC to continue investigating and report on the progress of the probe by November 5. There have been multiple court orders to freeze and seize assets and to investigate the sources and extent of Benazir’s illegal wealth.
7. Corruption Allegations and Response: The corruption allegations against Benazir Ahmed have sparked widespread discussions and concerns about corruption within high-ranking positions. Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and other officials have called for a thorough investigation and accountability for those involved in the fraudulent activities.
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Reference:
- https://www.daily-sun.com/post/751369
- https://www.thedailystar.net/news/corruption/news/hc-orders-acc-continue-probing-corruption-allegation-against-benazir-family-3664786
- https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/352787/acc-to-investigate-benazir-ahmed%E2%80%99s-overseas-assets
- https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/benazir-family-acc-fails-estimate-value-some-assets-3662236
- https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/351854/3-arrested-for-fish-theft-at-ex-igp-benazir%E2%80%99s
- https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/benazirs-wealth-court-orders-confiscation-more-assets-3619536
- https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/348161/quader-ex-igp-benazir-must-return-to-bangladesh
- https://www.tbsnews.net/analysis/how-bangladesh-enables-system-pervasive-corruption-903411
- https://dailydhakatimes.com/corruption-allegations-acc-to-investigate-41-ex-ministers-mps/