TBS Report
May 30, 2024
Benazir Ahmed, former Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Bangladesh, under scrutiny for alleged corruption.
Since late May, former police chief Benazir Ahmed has faced mounting scrutiny following reports detailing his allegedly illicitly acquired wealth. Accusations and investigations are intensifying, fueled by media disclosures, actions from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), and court directives.
But the question remains: where is Benazir Ahmed now?
Senior government figures have indicated that Benazir Ahmed will not receive preferential treatment as investigations and potential legal actions progress. The pressure on the former police chief appears to be escalating.
Courts have mandated the seizure of Benazir Ahmed’s assets and the freezing of his bank accounts. The ACC has officially summoned Benazir Ahmed, along with his wife and three daughters, to its headquarters for questioning.
Despite the growing pressure and these formal actions, Benazir Ahmed has maintained a notable silence.
Rumors regarding Benazir Ahmed fleeing the country have circulated, but official sources and individuals close to him offer conflicting accounts of his current location. Some sources suggest Benazir Ahmed remains in Bangladesh, preparing his legal defense, while others indicate he may have traveled abroad.
Sources close to Benazir Ahmed state he is in regular contact with his legal team and advisors.
A close associate, speaking anonymously, mentioned to TBS, “Benazir Ahmed initially considered filing a writ petition with the Supreme Court to challenge the trial court’s asset confiscation and bank account freeze orders. However, he abandoned this plan. Now, Benazir Ahmed is reportedly attempting to engage with high-ranking government officials.”
This source also stated that Benazir Ahmed, accompanied by his wife and three daughters, departed from Shahjalal International Airport on a Singapore Airlines flight on May 4th. They are reportedly in Singapore, primarily for medical treatment for his wife, Zeeshan Mirza.
The source could not confirm Benazir Ahmed’s return to Bangladesh.
Another source familiar with the Benazir Ahmed family stated, “Benazir Ahmed is expected to appear on the scheduled date for the ACC summons. However, it remains uncertain whether his wife and daughters will also appear before the ACC.”
The ACC has issued summons for Benazir Ahmed to appear at its headquarters on June 6th, and for his wife and children on June 9th, according to commission sources.
A source close to the family noted changes in Benazir Ahmed’s routine: “He used to regularly jog at the Gulshan Youth Club after Fajr prayers, meeting with business figures and conglomerate owners. Currently, Benazir Ahmed no longer leaves his residence.”
According to businessmen who previously encountered him during morning walks, Benazir Ahmed’s family is now believed to be residing in Dubai.
“Benazir Ahmed established his elder daughter and son-in-law in businesses in Dubai following US Treasury Department sanctions against him. They relocated from Miami to Dubai and invested there. His younger daughter, previously studying in the US but affected by the sanctions, is now in the UK and is believed to be with family in Dubai,” the source added.
Benazir Ahmed served as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) from April 15, 2020, to September 30, 2022. Prior to this, he held significant positions as Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner and Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
Benazir Ahmed was among individuals sanctioned by the US in December 2021 for alleged human rights abuses during his tenure as IGP.
Since his retirement, Benazir Ahmed has reportedly been focused on writing two books about his career and experiences in the police force, including an autobiography. He has also been involved with his “Savana Eco Resort” in Gopalganj.
Another confidant of Benazir Ahmed mentioned, “He is currently residing at the Rancon Icon Tower apartments in Gulshan 1, Dhaka. Benazir Ahmed is rarely seen in public.”
