The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is searching the partners of former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed to ensure legal action against the former police chief.

The anti-graft body said all business partners and cohorts of Benazir Ahmed will be brought under investigation. 

Sources said the ACC has found many business organisations of Benazir Ahmed. It has found some business partners of Benazir Ahmed while investigating his Dubai-based business. The former RAB DG has also business partners in London. He had travelled several times in many countries including Singapore and Malaysia during his tenure. ACC is also searching business organisations of Benazir in these countries. Benazir has also business partners in these countries.

Information is being collected about the partners of Bhawal Resort in Gazipur. The ACC has already found some partners of Benazir in his land business in various spots in the capital including Gulshan. All of his partners in media and educational institutions are being brought under the probe.

Sources said the ACC has found the land of Benazir in Cox’s Bazar, Gopalganj, Madaripur, Tungipara, Kotalipara and Panchagarh.        

Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), told Bangladesh Pratidin that all associates of the former IGP will have to be brought under investigation as he is not only responsible for amassing illegal wealth. Benazir Ahmed amassed wealth by misusing his power and position. But he didn’t do the job alone. He has many partners, associates, and assistants under the political umbrella. If the government wants to ensure real accountability, all of its partners and associates will have to be brought under investigation. Justice won’t be ensured by dropping his business partners and associates.      

According to various sources, Benazir Ahmed along with his family fled the country before launching a smart investigation process against him. It is a question whether it is the lack of skill of the ACC.         

ACC sources said the ACC has started an investigation to find out the wealth of Benazir abroad. Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has already sent letters to the intelligence units of the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates and some other countries to search for the wealth of Benazir Ahmed and his family members. The government will send a letter seeking information on wealth under the Mutual Legal Assistance Request (MLAR). All next procedures including bringing back laundered money of Benazir will be completed based on this system.     

ACC has summoned former Benazir Ahmed to appear before it on June 6 on corruption allegations. It also asked Benazir's wife Jissan Mirza and two of their daughters to appear before it on June 9 for questioning over graft allegations. Letters were sent to them in this regard. However, doubt is created among the authorities concerned about their presence before the anti-graft body.

Several sources said Benazir and his family went to abroad. Before leaving, he emptied all his bank accounts and withdrew money. ACC sources said Benazir’s presence is not a matter. He and his all business partners will have to be brought under legal procedures.

A Dhaka court has ordered authorities to seize 119 deeds linked to property owned by Benazir Ahmed, his wife and their children.

It also ordered the confiscation of four apartments owned by the family in Dhaka's Gulshan area, savings certificates worth Tk 3.0 million, three beneficiary owner's (BO) accounts, 100 per cent shares in four companies and their shares in 15 additional companies.

Earlier, the same court directed the confiscation of 83 properties and the freezing of 33 financial accounts, including 27 bank accounts, belonging to Benazir and his family members.

@ The article was published on print and online versions of The Bangladesh Pratidin on June 2, 2024 and has been rewritten in English by Golam Rosul.