Court opens trial against ex-IGP Benazir Ahmed in graft case

A Dhaka court has formally initiated trial proceedings against former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed in a corruption case involving alleged illicit assets worth over Tk 11 crore.

Judge Abdullah Al Mamun of Dhaka Special Judge Court-5 on Sunday (May 3) framed charges after a hearing, clearing the way for trial.

The court also fixed May 13 for recording witness testimonies.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) was represented by prosecutor Mir Ahmed Ali Salam during the hearing. However, no defence counsel was present as the accused remains absconding.

According to case documents, an ACC deputy director filed the case on December 15, 2024. Following investigation, a charge sheet was submitted on November 30 of the same year, accusing the former police chief of acquiring assets beyond known sources of income, concealing wealth information, and engaging in money laundering.

Investigators found evidence of assets worth approximately Tk 15.68 crore in his name, while legitimate income sources accounted for about Tk 6.59 crore. After expenditures, his net savings stood at around Tk 4.63 crore million, indicating the acquisition of roughly Tk 11.04 crore in unexplained wealth.

The charge sheet also alleges that the funds were laundered through multiple bank accounts, business entities and joint ventures in an attempt to conceal their origin.

Legal proceedings are set to continue as the court moves forward with witness examination in the high-profile case.