The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has summoned former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed for questioning on 6 June over allegations of illegal asset accumulation.
His wife and two children are also scheduled for questioning on 9 June, said ACC sources today (28 May).
"Despite showing significant assets in his tax files, Benazir will have to prove the legitimate sources of these assets. Although they are declared in tax files, the legitimacy of the income sources will be scrutinized," an ACC official said.
Sources indicate that Benazir has claimed income from fish trading for his wife and children. "This will also be investigated," the official added.
The ACC has also sought information from the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) regarding any assets the Benazir family may have abroad in countries such as the USA, Canada, and Australia.
The organisation mentions that since the investigation began, they have been receiving extensive information about the assets of the Benazir family through various intelligence and other channels.
"We are constantly uncovering new information about the family's assets," an ACC spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, a Dhaka court ordered the confiscation of all properties mentioned in 113 more documents and four flats at Gulshan belonging to the former police chief and his family members in response to a petition filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
On 23 May, the same court ordered the confiscation of all properties mentioned in 83 documents belonging to Benazir Ahmed and ordered the freezing of 33 financial accounts, including 27 bank accounts belonging to him and his family members.
On 31 March, a national daily published a report titled "Aladin’s Lamp 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.
