A Dhaka court has ordered the confiscation of all properties mentioned in 113 more documents and four flats at Gulshan belonging to former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed and his family members in connection with the allegations of corruption brought against him.
Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Mohammad Ash Shams Jaglul Hossain issued the order on Sunday (26 May), in response to a petition filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
Earlier, on 23 May, the court ordered the confiscation of all properties mentioned in 83 documents belonging to Benazir Ahmed. On the same day, the court also ordered the freezing of 33 financial accounts, including 27 bank accounts belonging to Benazir and his family members.
On 31 March, a national daily published a report titled "Aladiner Cherag at the House of Benazir,".
Similar reports were published by several other media outlets on 1-2 April, sparking widespread discussion about the enormous wealth visibly amassed by Benazir Ahmed during his career as a policeman.
Following this, a writ petition was filed with the High Court seeking an investigation into the allegations against the former IGP and his family.
Supreme Court lawyer Salauddin Regan filed the petition, which also called for a rule asking the government to explain why the ACC's ineffectiveness in investigating Benazir's wealth should not be declared illegal.
The chairman of the ACC, the ACC Commissioners, and the ACC secretary were named as respondents in the petition.
On 22 April, the ACC formed a committee to investigate the alleged corruption of Benazir Ahmed and his family. Subsequently, on 23 April, the High Court instructed the ACC to submit a progress report on the investigation within two months.
Barrister Syed Sayedul Haque Sumon MP also filed a petition with the ACC seeking legal action against Benazir.
The ex-police chief's lawyers are expected to move the court early tomorrow to seek a stay on the court's directive.
