Press Release
Dhaka, 03 June 2024: Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has raised serious alarms regarding revelations surrounding the former Inspector General of Police (IGP) and RAB chief, who allegedly amassed a substantial amount of illegal wealth and property through the misuse of their state-granted authority. The anti-corruption organization underscored that the unchecked misuse of power by individuals in high-ranking positions is not only alarming but also reminiscent of creating Frankenstein-like figures such as Benazir, ultimately undermining the state’s accountability mechanisms. TIB has called for decisive legal action against those aiding and shielding such abuses of power. Additionally, TIB has demanded fair compensation for individuals who were coerced by the former police chief into forcibly selling their land.
Information on wealth and property accumulation by the former police chief are sufacing regularly. Media has reported that most of this wealth and property were grabbed by the former police chief by using fear tactics, or he had taken the real owners hostage to force them to sell their land. In many cases, the owners of these lands were minorities. For carrying this out, the former police chief arbitrarily employed personnel from his own agency and other state-run agencies. Terming such abuse of power by the top ranking officer of a law enforcement agency as outrageous, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, “Allegations that the properties were forcibly acquired through intimidation using the former IGP’s name and his family members and the collusion of law enforcement and government agency personnel in carrying out these tasks is truly horrific. Any chance of the victims getting justice for his crimes has also been forcefully blocked. Under such circumstances, there is no alternative to ensuring exemplary punishment for the main accused and the colluders, and to compensate those who were forced to sell their properties out of fear of the former police chief.”
The allegations of wealth and property accumulation through corruption against the former IGP are currently under investigation, with new information about his wealth surfacing regularly. TIB Executive Director (ED) Dr. Iftekharuzzaman has raised questions about how Benazir Ahmed and his family were able to flee the country amid such serious allegations. He stated, “Media reports indicate that the former police chief, accused of corruption, fled the country after withdrawing a substantial amount of money from the banks. Given these circumstances, it is truly surprising that someone as controversial as him could leave without anyone noticing. It raises doubts about whether his departure involved collusion, or if any bank official assisted in withdrawing and laundering the funds abroad, or if the investigations against him are superficial. It's evident that a certain faction within the power structure has protected him before and continues to do so. Justice cannot be served solely by prosecuting the former police chief; those aiding and abetting him must also face legal consequences.”
The TIB Executive Director further emphasized, “It is unacceptable that the former police chief went unnoticed by the government, especially when he set a shocking precedent by openly engaging in corruption and amassing substantial wealth. In such a scenario, it is logical to presume that the government not only shielded and supported him but also, in some instances, actively encouraged his actions, contributing to the emergence of the Frankensteins within the political sphere of bureaucracy. According to the ruling party's general secretary and the Road Transport and Bridges Minister, Obaidul Quader, the government possesses information on all corrupt individuals. Despite such acknowledgments being rare, the government must address how a high-ranking police official could establish such a flagrant culture of corruption. Releasing the names of corrupt individuals and ensuring accountability for all involved is imperative to demonstrate the government’s commitment to zero tolerance against corruption. Failure to do so will only reinforce the perception among citizens of such commitments as mere theatrics.”
Media Contact:
Mohammad Tauhidul Islam
Director, Outreach and Communication
Phone: +8801713107868
Email: tauhidul@ti-bangladesh.org
