Dhaka: The Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) has formally submitted a charge sheet against former inspector general of police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, accusing him of acquiring substantial illegal wealth, concealing information about his assets, and engaging in money laundering activities.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Assistant Director of the Public Relations Department of the ACC, Md Tanzir Ahmed, informed journalists about the charge sheet submission. The case against Benazir Ahmed was initially filed at the Integrated District Office of Dhaka-1 on December 15 of the previous year.
The ACC's investigation revealed discrepancies between Benazir Ahmed's declared and actual assets. The former IGP reported moveable assets valued at approximately Taka 6,45,37,365 and immoveable properties worth about Taka 5,74,89,966. However, investigators discovered moveable properties worth around Taka 7,52,68,987 and immoveable properties amounting to Taka 8,15,31,264. In total, Benazir Ahmed's assets were estimated to be worth Taka 15,68,00,000, a stark contrast to his legal income of only Taka 6,59,42,668. After accounting for expenses, his net savings stood at Taka 4,63,56,675.
The investigation highlighted an income discrepancy of about Taka 11,04,43,576, which could not be reconciled with Benazir Ahmed's known sources of income. It was further revealed that he invested these funds in various business establishments and joint stock companies through different banks while concealing the legal sources of income, nature, and ownership.
Additionally, the ACC reported that Benazir Ahmed failed to disclose the assets and properties of his minor daughter, Jahra Jabin Binte Benazir, in his wealth statement submitted to the government. The commission has initiated requests for mutual legal assistance from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom to gather information on his properties and investments in those countries. Further legal actions will be considered upon receipt of this information.