Benazir won’t be given more time: ACC lawyer

Former inspector general of police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed will not be given any more time if he does not appear for questioning at the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) next Sunday, says ACC lawyer Khurshid Alam Khan.

There is no jurisdiction to give a second time under ACC law and rules, he said while talking to reporters at the Supreme Court premises on Thursday.

Khurshid said that the investigations against the former IGP and his family members are going on in full swing for allegedly acquiring wealth beyond known income. Evidence of more criminal assets was found against him and some bank accounts were also seized.

“A time was given by ACC for their interrogation. He [Benazir] and his family did not come that day. They asked for time and it has been given to them. If he [Benazir] fails to appear by the due date, legal action as per the law will follow," he added.

According to ACC sources, Benazir was summoned for questioning on June 6. But his lawyer then applied for a new date of appearance. ACC then ordered him to appear on June 23.

ACC found 621 bighas of land in several districts including Gopalganj, Madaripur and Dhaka; four flats in the Gulshan area, 33 bank accounts, shares of 19 companies and three Beneficiary Owner’s accounts (for trading shares) and savings certificates of Tk 30 lakh in the names of Benazir, his wife and children. Following ACC's application, a court then ordered the seizure of these assets.

Law enforcement sources said that amidst this investigation, Benazir left the country on May 4 before the court order was issued.