The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has submitted a progress report to the High Court on the ongoing corruption investigation against former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed.
The report was presented to a bench comprising Justice Nazrul Islam Talukder and Justice Kazi Ebadat Hossain on Sunday (28 July).
ACC lawyer Khurshid Alam said the investigation has uncovered evidence of suspicious transactions linked to Benazir Ahmed.
He said the ACC's investigative team is thoroughly examining these unusual transactions and is also investigating whether there are additional assets abroad.
On 23 April, the High Court directed the ACC to provide a progress report on the investigation into allegations of illicit wealth accumulation against Benazir Ahmed. The court instructed the ACC to submit an affidavit on the progress of the investigation after two months.
Subsequently, on 23 May, the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge's Court, upon the ACC's request, ordered the seizure of 83 property documents and 33 accounts across 27 banks belonging to Benazir Ahmed. On 26 May, the same court ordered the seizure of an additional 119 immovable and movable properties owned by Benazir, his wife, and their three children.
Earlier, on 25 April, the ACC wrote to the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) of Bangladesh Bank, seeking information on cash holdings of Benazir Ahmed and his family members. The ACC also requested details of fixed deposits, savings certificates, and other assets from the Joint Stock Companies, Sub-Registry Office, and various government departments.
Additionally, the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has ordered the suspension of the Beneficiary Owners (BO) accounts held by Benazir Ahmed and his family.
Benazir Ahmed served as IGP from 15 April 2020, to 30 September 2022. Prior to that, he held positions as the Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). In December 2021, the United States imposed sanctions on RAB and seven current and former RAB officials, including Benazir Ahmed, over human rights violations. He was serving as the IGP at that time.
