Trial begins in corruption case against former IGP Benazir

A Dhaka court has ordered the start of trial proceedings against former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed after formally framing charges in a corruption case over alleged illegal assets worth more than Tk11 crore.

Judge Abdullah Al Mamun of Dhaka Special Judge’s Court-5 issued the order on Sunday and set 13 May for recording witness statements. Court bench assistant Sohanur Rahman confirmed the matter.

According to court sources, ACC prosecutor Mir Ahmed Ali Salam argued in favour of framing charges, while no defence counsel appeared for the accused, who is currently absconding.

Earlier, on 8 March, the court had accepted the charge sheet and issued an arrest warrant against Benazir.

Case details

The case was filed on 15 December 2024 by ACC Deputy Director Hafizul Islam. He later submitted the charge sheet on 30 November, accusing the former police chief of amassing wealth beyond known sources of income, concealing asset information, and engaging in money laundering.

The charge sheet states that Benazir declared immovable assets worth Tk6,45,37,365 and movable assets worth Tk5,74,89,966. However, the investigation found immovable assets totalling Tk7,52,68,987 and movable assets of Tk8,15,31,264 in his name—bringing the total to Tk15.68 crore.

His legal income was estimated at Tk6,59,42,668, with net savings of Tk4,63,56,675 after expenses. This suggests he accumulated Tk11,04,43,576 in assets beyond known sources of income.

It further alleges that he concealed the origin, nature, and ownership of the funds by investing, transferring, and converting them through multiple bank accounts, business entities, and joint ventures.