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The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has issued notices asking former inspector general of police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed and former NBR official Matiur Rahman to submit wealth statements of their movable and immovable assets.
Besides, the anti-graft body has sought information about assets belonging to their respective immediate family members – wives and children.
These notices provided 21 working days to the duo for submitting their wealth statements, said ACC Secretary Khorsheda Yasmin on Tuesday.
The notices mention that on the basis of information received, the ACC has come to the firm belief that [Benazir and Matiur] have anonymously owned a large amount of movable and immovable assets beyond the known income.
All movable and immovable assets, liabilities, sources of income and the details of their acquisition shall be submitted to the commission.
These notices mention that action will be taken as per Section 5(2) of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004 if the asset statement fails to be submitted in the prescribed period within 21 working days of receiving this order, or if false asset statement is submitted.
On May 28, 2024, the national anti-graft watchdog summoned Benazir Ahmed, his wife and daughters to face interrogation over graft allegations.
Despite receiving a second opportunity to appear before the ACC, Benazir, his wife Zeeshan Mirza and their two daughters did not show up for questioning.
On May 23, a Dhaka court ordered the authorities concerned to confiscate properties under 83 deeds of 114 acres of land, and freeze 33 bank accounts under the name of Benazir and his family members.
Three days later, the same court asked the authorities concerned to confiscate assets under 119 more deeds of Benazir and his family members in connection with alleged graft.
On the other hand, Matiur Rahman’s alleged undisclosed wealth came under spotlight after his son bought a goat worth Tk 12 lakh from an agro farm in the capital before Eid-ul-Azha. After that, information about his wealth came out one after another.
Later, Matiur was removed from the positions of National Board of Revenue (NBR) member and president of the NBR’s Customs, Excise and VAT Appellate Tribunal.
He was transferred to the Internal Resources Division (IRD) of the finance ministry, and also lost his director post at Sonali Bank PLC. A travel ban has also been imposed on him and his family.
