ACC detects unusual transactions through Benazir’s bank accounts

The Anti-Corruptions Commission (ACC) on Sunday submitted a progress report regarding the investigation into former police chief Benazir Ahmed, claiming the bank accounts of Benazir and his family members were used for various illicit transactions.

The “unusual and suspicious transactions” include withdrawal of around Tk3 crore from several accounts.

Earlier the same day, the ACC submitted a progress report on the investigation against Benazir – over allegations of amassing illegal wealth – to Justice Nazrul Islam Talukder's dual bench at the High Court.

Alam added, “The matter of unusual transactions is being investigated by an ACC probe team. Apart from that, whether there is anything else outside the country is also being investigated.”

On April 23, the High Court directed the ACC to submit a progress report on the investigation on Benazir Ahmed over allegations of amassing illegal wealth. The court had also ordered that the progress report be submitted as an affidavit.

After the preliminary hearing of a writ, a High Court bench consisting of justices Md Nazrul Islam Talukder and Kazi Ibadat Hossain passed the order.

A daily newspaper had published an article against Benazir titled “Benazir er Ghore Aladin er Cherag” on March 31, and “Bon er Jomi te Benazir er Resort'' on April 3.

When allegations of illegal acquisition of wealth were raised against Benazir Ahmed and his family members, the ACC decided to investigate the matter on April 18 after verifying the complaints.

The ACC's investigation has already found 702 bighas of land in Benazir's family members’ names in six districts across the country.

Apart from this, the ACC found multi-storied buildings, 12 flats, 33 bank accounts and crores of investments in 25 companies in Dhaka. The commission then seized these assets in three phases after receiving the court's directive.

According to media reports, Benazir, his wife, and their three daughters left Dhaka on a Singapore Airlines flight on May 4.