Testimony against ex-IGP Benazir deferred

Testimony in a corruption case against former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed, accused of acquiring more than Tk 11 crore in assets beyond known sources of income, has been deferred until October 11.

Judge Abdullah Al Mamun of Dhaka Special Judge Court-5 set the new date on Thursday after no witness appeared before the court.

The trial began on May 3 after the court framed charges against Benazir. Of the 28 prosecution witnesses, 15 have so far testified, ACC prosecutor Mir Ahmed Ali Salam said.

ACC Deputy Director Hafizul Islam filed the case on December 15, 2024. Following an investigation, the ACC submitted a charge sheet on November 30 last year, accusing Benazir of acquiring assets beyond known sources of income, concealing asset information and money laundering.

According to the charge sheet, investigators found evidence of assets worth about Tk 15.68 crore in Benazir’s name, while his legitimate income was assessed at Tk 6.59 crore.

After deducting expenses, his net savings stood at Tk 4.63 crore, leading investigators to allege that he had acquired Tk 11.04 crore in illicit assets.

The charge sheet also alleges that he concealed the source, nature and ownership of the funds by investing, transferring and converting them through bank accounts, businesses and joint-stock companies.