Former IGP Benazir Ahmed's Assets Seized Amid Allegations of Illegal Wealth Acquisition

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed and his family members have come under intense scrutiny following the purchase of approximately 600 bighas of land in Gopalganj and Madaripur districts. The acquisition of these assets has led to a Dhaka court ordering the confiscation of 119 properties belonging to Ahmed, his wife, and their children.

The confiscated assets are extensive and varied, including four flats in Dhaka's Gulshan area valued at Tk10.21 crore, 258 bighas of land in Madaripur's Rajoir, and multiple business interests. Specifically, Ahmed and his family hold shares in eight fully owned companies and 15 partially owned companies, in addition to Tk30 lakh worth of savings certificates in Sonali Bank.

In addition, the court's order covers 345 bighas of land documented in 83 deeds, 33 bank accounts across various financial institutions, and shares in four companies with 100% ownership. These companies include Savannah Park, Savannah Agro, Savannah Eco Resort, and Shishir Bindu. The family also holds shares in 15 other companies owned by Ahmed's wife and daughters, such as North's Chicks Rangpur Ltd and Northern Business Associates Ltd.

Why this matters: This case highlights the widespread issue of corruption among high-ranking public officials and the need for accountability. If convicted, it could set a precedent for future actions against illicit asset accumulation and contribute to a cleaner and more transparent government.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) initiated legal action following a report published on 31 March by a national daily newspaper, which alleged that Benazir Ahmed had amassed illegal wealth. The ACC's investigation led to the court's orders on 23 May and 26 May to confiscate the properties listed in 83 documents.

ACC lawyer Khurshid Alam Khan stated, "The court ordered the confiscation of all properties listed under their names." ACC Secretary Khorsheda Yasmin added that the commission took action in response to the allegations raised in the media reports.

The properties affected by the court's order span several locations, including Dhaka's Gulshan area, Madaripur's Rajoir, and Gopalganj. The breadth of the assets and the involvement of multiple family members highlight the complexity and scale of the investigation.

Legal proceedings continuing, the case highlights significant concerns about the accumulation of wealth by public officials and the ongoing efforts to address corruption in the country. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future actions against illicit asset accumulation.

Key Takeaways

• Ex-IGP Benazir Ahmed and family accused of acquiring 600 bighas of land in Gopalganj and Madaripur.
• Dhaka court orders confiscation of 119 properties, including 4 Gulshan flats and 258 bighas of land.
• Assets include shares in 23 companies, 33 bank accounts, and Tk30 lakh in savings certificates.
• ACC initiates legal action following media report on Ahmed's alleged illegal wealth accumulation.
• Case highlights corruption among high-ranking officials and need for accountability.