Trial of former IGP Benazir begins in ACC case

The trial of former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed began on Sunday in an Anti-Corruption Commission case involving the acquisition of illegal assets worth more than Tk 11 crore. 

Dhaka Special Judge Court-5 Judge Abdullah Al Mamun framed the charges against him after hearing submissions and fixed May 13 for the recording of testimony.

Prosecutor Mir Ahmed Ali Salam, appearing for the ACC, argued in favour of framing the charges. No lawyer represented the accused, who is reported to be absconding.

The case was filed on December 15, 2024 by ACC Deputy Director Hafizul Islam. Following investigation, a charge sheet was submitted on November 30 last year accusing Benazir Ahmed of amassing assets beyond his known sources of income, concealing asset details, and engaging in money laundering.

According to the charge sheet, he had declared immovable assets worth Tk 6,45,37,365 and movable assets worth Tk 5,74, 89, 966. 

However, investigators found immovable assets worth Tk 7,52, 68, 987 and movable assets worth Tk 8,15, 31, 264 in his name. After accounting for a legitimate income source of Tk 6,59,42,668 the probe determined that he had acquired assets worth Tk 11,4, 43, 576 beyond his known means. 

The ACC alleges he concealed the illegal origin of the funds and invested, transferred, and converted them through various bank accounts, businesses, and joint ventures.