Following the emergence of reports on former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed's alleged corruption in Dhaka's media outlets, the revelation has caused widespread astonishment. The discovery of the former police chief's extensive assets and properties, especially given his history of receiving integrity awards, has not only surprised many but has also led to disbelief. It has been reported that he constructed an expansive resort in Gopalganj known as the Savannah Eco Resort, a luxury tourism destination covering about 1400 bighas. The resort is managed by Savannah Eco Resort Pvt. Ltd., with Benazir Ahmed's wife, Zeeshan Mirza, serving as the Chairperson, his elder daughter Farhin Rishta Binte Benazir as the Managing Director, and his younger daughter Tahsin Raisa Binte Benazir as a Director.
Beyond this single eco resort, the former high-ranking police official has reportedly accumulated significant wealth under the names of his wife and daughters. His investments span across six distinct entities, amounting to over 500 crore taka.
In Best Holdings and the upscale Le Méridien Hotel, Benazir Ahmed's daughters possess two lakh shares. They also own a substantial duplex house in Purbachal, valued at a minimum of 45 crore taka, and an additional 10 bighas of land in the same locality worth 22 crore taka. In the capital's Magbazar area, adjacent to Ad-Din Hospital, Benazir Ahmed has purchased a 4000 square feet apartment within a high-rise developed by Eastern Properties. Moreover, in Rupganj, Narayanganj, he owns two bighas of land with an estimated market value of 20 crore taka.
This raises the question: How is it feasible for someone, irrespective of their rank within the police force, to amass such wealth without engaging in widespread corrupt practices? It's apparent that Benazir Ahmed has been involved in such activities. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has indicated that it is monitoring the situation and will initiate an investigation upon obtaining relevant "supporting papers".
However, during his tenure, Benazir Ahmed portrayed himself as not just an efficient and sharp police officer but also frequently espoused values of integrity. At various police events in 2020, he declared that police personnel could not amass wealth through illicit means. He advised those who wished to become affluent to resign from their positions and pursue business endeavors.
He further emphasized that no member of the police could engage in unauthorized financial gains. He suggested that individuals desiring wealth through corrupt practices should leave their jobs and venture into business, assuring them of praise for such a choice. He firmly stated that corruption would not be tolerated within the police force. He claimed that the police offered no opportunities for corrupt practices and highlighted that while the public might overlook corruption in other professions, police corruption is subject to scrutiny and criticism. He also remarked that individuals with nefarious intentions should steer clear of the police profession, asserting the force's commitment to overcoming corruption and misconduct. He envisioned a future where all members of the police force would conduct their duties with dignity and honor.
Many individuals have held the position of police chief in the country before Benazir Ahmed, but his overt affection for the illegitimate dominance of the Awami League was well-known. Privately, many referred to him as an even more fervent supporter of the Awami League than Sheikh Hasina herself. Yet, while he was an active member of the police service, discussions about him were off-limits due to the lack of freedom or courage to speak out. Post-retirement, there wasn't much discourse surrounding him, particularly as he continued to enjoy privileges under the government he favored.
Despite the conversations about his influence, the public was unaware of the extent of the financial empire he had quietly established. That once-hidden narrative has now been revealed. The Benazir who once counseled against corruption in the police is now reportedly the owner of a fortune worth hundreds of crores. Whether a satisfactory explanation for the origins of his wealth will ever emerge remains to be seen.