[🇧🇩] Corruption Watch

[Saif]

PM defends budgetary proposal for whitening black money

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today supported the budgetary provision for legalising black money saying that it should be brought to the legal network first

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PM defends budgetary proposal for whitening black money

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Photo: PID

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today supported the budgetary provision for legalising black money saying that it should be brought to the legal network first.

"The money should be allowed to come to the appropriate place (the banking channel) first with payment of a nominal amount of money (tax) and then they will have to pay tax regularly... If you go to catch fish, you need to provide feed," she said.

The premier was addressing a discussion arranged by Awami League at its office in Dhaka's Tejgaon area, marking the historic Six-point Day.

Talking about the scope for whitening black money, the prime minister said many raised questions regarding black money and argued that it would discourage legal tax prayers.

She said it's not right, rather the fact is the prices of everything went up and the owner of one katha land is a millionaire (kotipoti). But no one sells land at the government rate. They sell it at higher prices. So, they keep the surplus money received from the sale of land outside the banking network, she added.

The PM said the last budget during the BNP regime was of Tk 62,000 crore and that during the caretaker government was Tk 68,000 crore whereas her government has been able to place the budget of Tk 797,000 crore this time.

"This budget has focused on some basic demands and attached the highest priority to education, health, agriculture and local industries and social safety to ensure the basic rights of the people," she said.

Talking about the worldwide high inflation, the PM said the people with limited income are suffering due to Inflation. "But we've introduced family cards for the limited-income people so that they can purchase several essential commodities like rice, pulse and edible oil at fair prices. We're providing food to those who are extremely poor," she said.

Besides, the government has been providing financial assistance to the people under some 150 social safety programmes, providing free textbooks to school students, and providing the people with some 30 types of free medicines from the community clinics.

To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.​

 

[Saif]

This budget is for promoting black money: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said the proposed national budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 as black money-friendly, saying it will further widen scope for corruption in the country

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This budget is for promoting black money: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. File photo

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said the proposed national budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 as black money-friendly, saying it will further widen scope for corruption in the country.

"This budget is for promoting black money. This is also the budget of how black money can be whitened, corruption can be expanded, and money can be made (illegally)," he said.

Speaking at a seminar, the BNP leader also said the budget was not formulated for the welfare of the people or for creating job opportunities.

"There is no need to talk about the budget. You see the cartoon on the front page of The Daily Star, where a huge elephant is sitting on top of many ordinary farmers, workers, hardworking people… This brilliant cartoon has depicted a clear picture of the budget," he observed.

The BNP leader said the government has allocated huge amount of money for unproductive sectors for creating more scopes to plunder public money.

"Sonali Dal," a panel of teachers of Bangladesh Agricultural University, arranged the event at Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU), marking the 43rd death anniversary of former president and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman.

Fakhrul slammed the government for increasing the tax on capital machinery in the proposed budget. "What is the meaning of increasing tax on capital machinery? The meaning is that there should be no industry and factory here as machinery cannot be imported."

He said people are going through a very tough time due to a lack of employment and earning sources. "Those who used to do small business and work here in Dhaka are now moving to the villages for a lack of jobs. But they're also facing a terrible situation as there is no work there as well."

"This government is sustaining on lies. All statistics of this regime are false and fabricated. On which statistics will you make a plan? Benazir's (former IGP) corruption is everywhere now... Benazir is everywhere now," the BNP leader said.​

 

[Saif]

Amnesty for black money: what are the proposed tax measures?

By re-launching the initiative, the government seeks to increase the flow of money into the economy, although such measures failed to yield any fruitful benefit in the past.

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Amnesty for black money: what are the proposed tax measures?
By re-launching the initiative, the government seeks to increase the flow of money into the economy, although such measures failed to yield any fruitful benefit in the past.

The government wants to re-introduce the provision allowing individuals and companies to whiten their black money without facing any question from any authority about the source of the wealth.

According to the new provision, a taxpayer needs to pay tax at fixed rates against investment in immovable properties such as flats and land.

In case of other assets, including cash and deposits in banks, a taxpayer will need to pay a 15 percent tax on the amount to legalise his/her income.

By re-launching the initiative, the government seeks to increase the flow of money into the economy, although such measures failed to yield any fruitful benefit in the past.

The unquestioned amnesty to black money will remain effective from July 1 this year to June 30 next year if the lawmakers approve the proposal placed by Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali on June 6 as part of tax measures for the next fiscal year.

But what are the provisions in his proposal?

By paying a 15 percent tax, one can invest his/her undeclared money in financial schemes and instruments, in the stock market or deposits in banks.

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[Saif]

Suspicious transactions, capital flight growing

Suspicious transactions linking to money laundering are growing in the county amid the resource crunch caused by a persistent dollar shortage.

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Suspicious transactions, capital flight growing
Shakhawat Hossain 09 June, 2024, 23:57

Suspicious transactions linking to money laundering are growing in the county amid the resource crunch caused by a persistent dollar shortage.

According to a budget document, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligent Unit received 12,046 suspicious transaction reports and suspicious activity reports in the first nine months of the outgoing FY24.

The number was around 10,000 during the same period of FY23 with the BFIU recording overall 14,100 STRs and SARs at the end of FY23.

The BIFU also took measures against 25.9 million cash transaction reports in the first nine month of the outgoing FY24, said the budget document prepared by the Financial Institutions Division over the country's financial sector.

Former Bangladesh Bank governor Salehuddin Ahmed, however, called the government initiatives to check the hundi and capital flight insufficient.

The inflow of remittance did not reflect the growing number of overseas job seekers from the country, he said, adding that hundi diverted remittance elsewhere.

Some 11 lakh Bangladeshi sought overseas jobs in FY23 as the Middle East countries hired workers from Bangladesh in an increased number.

But despite the rise in employment, inward remittance had not increased much.

For the period of July–April in the current financial year FY24, remittance inflow reached $21.3 billion against $19.1 billion earned in the same period of FY23.

The Financial Institutions Division report said the the BFIU suspended 27,860 individual mobile financial service accounts and two MFS providers in the first nine months of the outgoing FY24.

The BFIU also closed down 291 websites, 33 apps and 464 social media platforms for same reasons during the same period.

On May 9, finance minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali said that money laundering was increasing due to online gambling, gaming and hundi while responding to a question in the parliament.

Taking advantage of this development in technology, some unscrupulous circles became involved in criminal activities such as online gambling/betting, gaming, forex/cryptocurrency trading and hundi, he said.

As a result, he said that money was being smuggled out of the country leading to the loss of foreign currency.

Remittance significantly contributes to the country's balance of payments, but the slower than expected growth had deepened the current economic crisis begun in April 2022.

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[Saif]

Provision to whiten black money an injustice to honest taxpayers: speakers

Prof Selim Raihan, executive director of SANEM, criticises the tax disparity between honest earners and black money holders

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Provision to whiten black money an injustice to honest taxpayers: speakers

The provision for whitening black money by paying 15 percent tax in the proposed national budget for 2024-25 fiscal year will encourage corruption, and it stands against the values of a just society, said speakers at an event today.

They remarks came at a national budget review programme organised by the Economics department of Dhaka University on the premises.

Prof Selim Raihan, executive director of SANEM, criticised the tax disparity between honest earners and black money holders.

"People with legal incomes have to pay 30 percent or more taxes, while those legalising black money will pay 15 percent. This is an injustice to honest taxpayers," he said.

Raihan questioned the realism of the government's target to reduce inflation to 6.5 percent within the next fiscal year, with a GDP growth target of 6.75.

"The exchange rate needs to be stabilised and the government should further undertake major reform initiatives to address problems in the financial sector, including defaulted loans," he added.

Prof Masuda Yasmin, chairman of DU Economics department, expressed her disappointment with the budget, saying it failed to meet expectations amid the current economic crisis.

"The economy needs stability, even if it means slower growth," she said.

Prof Sayema Haque said the government could have reduced the budget deficit further, warning that borrowing from the domestic sector to meet the deficit could lead to increased inflation.

DU Vice Chancellor Dr ASM Maksud Kamal highlighted the growing waste in various sectors due to a lack of skills and the need for special attention to agricultural production in light of climate change.

"There will be a significant risk to food security in future if the agriculture sector isn't given priority in the budget," he said.

Speakers also talked on issues including social security, large-scale investment, industrialisation, and the health system.

They called for increased allocation and incentives in the SME (small and medium-sized enterprises) sector, proper use of budget allocations, and institutional measures against corruption to ensure proper implementation.

Prof Ferdowsi Nahar, Rumana Haque, Saima Haque, and Syed Naimul Wadood also spoke at the event.​

 

[Saif]

Probe initiated against Aziz’s siblings

An investigation has been initiated into the alleged passport and NID card forgery against former army chief general Aziz Ahmed’s siblings Haris Ahmed and...

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Probe initiated against Aziz's siblings
Staff Correspondent 11 June, 2024, 00:27

Aziz Ahmed

An investigation has been initiated into the alleged passport and NID card forgery against former army chief general Aziz Ahmed's siblings Haris Ahmed and Tofael Ahmed.

The Anti-Corruption Commission sent letters to the Election Commission and the Department of Immigration and Passports in the past week to investigate the allegations, said commission chairman Mohammad Moinuddin Abdullah on Monday.

The Election Commission on Sunday formed a committee with three members of its National Identity Card wing to investigate how Haris and Tofael, also known as Joseph, obtained NID cards using false information, chief election commissioner Kazi

Habibul Awal told journalists on Monday.

He said, 'The NID has a technical side. There may be loopholes in this technology, but if only 0.01 per cent people abuse it, efforts should be made to bring them to justice.'

No investigation has, however, been initiated into the alleged forgery by former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed in obtaining ordinary passport despite being a public servant.

ACC lawyer Khurshid Alam Khan told New Age, 'Now the ACC is conducting an inquiry into the allegations brought against Benazir Ahmed over amassing wealth and money laundering.'

The commission will also take further step if its inquiry finds other anomalies such as irregularities in obtaining passport, he said.

Recent reports suggested that Haris used the alias Mohammad Hasan to obtain an NID card, falsely listing Suleman Sarkar and Rahela Begum as his parents.

Additionally, he changed his photo on his NID card in 2019, with the recommendation for the change coming from his brother Aziz Ahmed when he was the army chief.

Tofael Ahmed, alias Joseph, possessed two NID cards—one under his actual name with parents listed as Abdul Wadud and Renuja Begum, and another under the name Tanvir Ahmed Tanjeel, with different parent names.

The ACC is also scrutinising allegations of corruption against retired general Aziz Ahmed following a petition submitted by a lawyer recently.

This development came after the United States had imposed sanctions on Aziz Ahmed and his immediate family members on May 21, citing his alleged involvement in serious corruption.

Aziz served as the chief of army staff from June 2018 to June 2021 and also led the Border Guard Bangladesh from 2012 to 2016.

Aziz, the eldest among five brothers, had siblings who made headlines for criminal activities of murder, extortion and illegal possession of firearms during the 1990s and 2000s.

Joseph, in particular, was implicated in ten cases related to extortion and illegal firearms possession.

In 2004, Joseph was sentenced to death, while Haris and another brother, Anis, received life imprisonment in a murder case.

The spotlight intensified on Aziz Ahmed when Joseph was granted clemency in the murder case in 2018, followed by similar actions for Haris and Anis in 2019.

An Al-Jazeera documentary 'All the prime minister's men,' aired on February 1, 2021, alleged that Aziz misused his influence to secure contracts for his convicted brothers.

However, both the army headquarters and foreign ministry dismissed these allegations as false and defamatory.

The National Identity Registration Act 2010 stipulates penalties for providing false information to obtain an NID card, including imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of Tk 20,000, or both.

To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.​

 

[Saif]

AL stays in power by forging ties with corrupt officials: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today alleged that the Awami League has remained in power by forging an alliance with corrupt bureaucrats and government officials

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AL stays in power by forging ties with corrupt officials: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday alleged that the Awami League has remained in power by forging an alliance with corrupt bureaucrats and government officials.

Speaking at a discussion, he also alleged that the current government is obtaining funds from China in the name of mega projects and embezzling huge money as commissions.

"The Awami League is now the party of Benazir and Aziz. Awami League is no longer a political institution as it has become extremely bankrupt...," the BNP leader said.

BNP's Dhaka division unit organised the discussion at Monno City, Gilondo, marking the 43rd death anniversary of party founder Ziaur Rahman

Fakhrul said Bangladesh is now under the grip of not only hegemony but also fascism. "Those who now rule the country have no relation with the people."

He said the government has been arranging unilateral elections in its own style, keeping the voters and major political parties out of the race.

He voiced concern that the country's economy is on the verge of collapse due to widespread corruption and plundering.

The BNP leader said the noted economists of the country at a seminar organised by NOAB (Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh) on Monday warned that the country's economy is on the brink of disaster.

"The government is unwilling to admit this. They always claim that the economy is doing very well. But their corruption continues unabated. They are constantly seeking new ways to engage in further corruption. Through mega projects, they are facilitating mega corruption," Fakhrul observed.

Fakhrul said it is surprising that most of the mega projects are financed by China.

"They [China] give funds to the Bangladesh government which awards tenders to their preferred individuals… one or two government-backed persons get five percent commission for securing the funds and another five percent is given for the distribution of work on the project. Many of us are unaware that the funds brought in from China are subject to commissions," the BNP leader said.

He also alleged that the current regime does not do anything without taking a commission. "Not only that, several new financial institutions have been established here… One such institution is called 'Nagad.'"

Fakhrul said a certain percentage of the commission from every transaction of Nagad is sent abroad to a specific individual. "I don't want to mention the name of anyone, but this money goes to a particular individual abroad. And this is not just a one-off case; there are many more such instances."

He called upon the people from all walks of life, especially the young generation, to be vocal to save the country.​

 

[Saif]

Don’t reward corrupt, negligent public servants

Bangladesh needs an accountable, service-oriented administrative system

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Don't reward corrupt, negligent public servants
Bangladesh needs an accountable, service-oriented administrative system

VISUAL: STAR

We are shocked to learn of the reinstatement of an official at the youth and sports ministry who, only a few months ago, was dismissed on charges of embezzlement. According to a report by this daily, the move has raised questions among the ministry officials themselves. Indeed, such a decision would make any honest employee disappointed, and it also sets a dangerous precedent at a time when the widespread corruption in public sector demands exemplary actions, not exemptions.

The official in question, Farhat Noor, and three others were found guilty of embezzling Tk 11.52 crore during an investigation conducted by a probe body formed by the ministry. Upon finding proof, the ministry decided to terminate the four officials, and the decision was endorsed by the Bangladesh Public Service Commission on February 12. But on June 5, the ministry issued an order through a gazette notification reinstating Noor in his old position, in Moulvibazar. The gazette further mentions that Noor pleaded for withdrawal of his dismissal in an appeal filed with the PMO on March 18.

Another report also caught our attention yesterday. According to Prothom Alo, Dr Fatema Doza, an associate professor at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), has been accused of many irregularities including being absent from work for one and a half years, presenting fake invitation to an overseas seminar, etc. She has even been charged with the abuse of domestic help. Several internal investigations found proof supporting the allegations, and yet, there has been no repercussion as she continues to hold on to her position, enjoying all the benefits that come with it.

How would the responsible government organisations justify their inactions? Why is it that government employees like Noor and Doza get away with their criminal acts with such impunity? Has the charge against Farhat Noor been disproven? As far as we know, there is no indication of that. What drove the ministry to backtrack on its own decision, then? And how is it that Fatema Doza has been able to carry on with her job for years when she has been found guilty of the charges against her? It goes without saying that these circumstances directly contradict the government's own stated policy of zero tolerance for corruption.

These two cases once again show how the public sector is being run without any functional accountability, and exhibit why there is a trust deficit between the public and the government. If there was a strong mechanism in place to ensure accountability in public service, so many government employees would not be so bold to carry out their corruption and irregularities. This state of affairs cannot continue in a democratic system. We urge the government to establish a modern, accountable administrative system where officials paid by the public are held responsible for any breach of contract, and indeed crimes.​

 

[Saif]

ACC finds graft evidence against ex-IGP Benazir

The Anti-Corruption Commission found evidence of corruption against former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed and his family in the inquiry over his...

www.newagebd.net

ACC finds graft evidence against ex-IGP Benazir
Staff Correspondent 13 June, 2024, 23:48

Benazir Ahmed

The Anti-Corruption Commission found evidence of corruption against former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed and his family in the inquiry over his amassing illegal wealth.

'There is no legal bar to file a case against Benazir Ahmed based on the findings received till now regarding his wealth,' said ACC lawyer Khurshid Alam Khan on Thursday.

Talking to journalists, the lawyer said, 'I think, there is enough information to file a regular case against him, but now, the ACC will take the decision regarding the filing of the case, it is their jurisdiction.'

The court has already ordered the seizure of the properties and bank accounts of Benazir and his family as there was evidence of offences, he said.

Khurshid also said, 'The information about suspicious transactions, ill-gotten income, and wealth of the former IGP is, I think, "dangerous".'

Earlier, in three phases, the Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Court ordered the seizure of a huge amount of movable and immovable assets belonging to Benazir and his family members following ACC petitions.

Among the wealth, the court ordered the seizure of a total of 697 bighas of land in Gopalganj, Madaripur, Cox's Bazar, Bandarban, and Narayanganj, 12 flats in Dhaka, and shares in 21 companies in the name of Benazir and his family.

Apart from this, the court also ordered the freezing of a Tk 30 lakh investment in savings certificates, 33 bank accounts, and three BO accounts.

A three-member inquiry team, led by ACC deputy director Md Hafizul Islam, found the assets during the ongoing inquiry into allegations of Benazir and his family members.

The ACC, based on a media report, decided on April 18 to investigate allegations of amassing illegal wealth by Benazir and his family.

On May 28, the ACC summoned them, but neither Benazir nor his family members appeared before it on June 6 and 9.

Later, the ACC fixed June 23 and 24 for them to come before the commission.

Benazir and the family reportedly left the country on May 4 amid allegations of acquiring illegal wealth and money laundering.

Benazir joined the police force as an assistant superintendent of police in February 1988, and he retired on September 30, 2022.

On December 10, 2021, the United States declared the then IGP Benazir ineligible for entry into the country for 'gross violations of human rights' while serving as RAB director general.​

 

[Saif]

Danger of treating black money softly

'Black money', according to Investopedia,'includes all funds earned through illegal activity and otherwise legal income that is not recorded for tax purposes'. The sources of black money, as defined, include tax evasion as well as corruption, money laundering and illicit trade. So, ideally, in a la

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Danger of treating black money softly
SYED FATTAHUL ALIM
Published :
Jun 09, 2024 22:02
Updated :
Jun 10, 2024 22:47

'Black money', according to Investopedia,'includes all funds earned through illegal activity and otherwise legal income that is not recorded for tax purposes'. The sources of black money, as defined, include tax evasion as well as corruption, money laundering and illicit trade. So, ideally, in a law-governed society, earning and holding of black money is a punishable offence. But in the real world it is often allowed to exist and, in many cases, even thrive. Bangladesh is no exception. Earning of black money is so widespread in this part of the world that the practice is not even questioned nowadays. So, one is not surprised, though some economists and social activists who are still critical of the so-called unethical practices like corruption, owning ill-gotten money, etc., when the finance minister in his budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 kept the provision of whitening black money without scrutiny through payment of 15 per cent tax. In other words, illegally earned money has again been given the seal of approval.

However, the money-whitening opportunity, according to the proposed budget for FY25, will be available for only one year till June 2025. But the provision of legalising black money has continued year after year in the same manner and there is no guarantee the practice would stop by the next financial year. In fact, this culture of wooing black money in the hope of mainstreaming it is indicative of the power of black money and its owners in society. Interestingly though, despite all the coaxing and cajoling, the holders of black money never responded to the government's offer at the expected level. Successive governments since independence have been offering such amnesty to black money owners. Going by the country's top tax regulator, the National Board of Revenue (NBR), since independence till 2022, Tk455.22 billion could be whitened by such means so far. The revenue that went to the government's coffer is a paltry sum of Tk46.41 billion. The amount was earned over a period of 50 years (between 1972 and 2022)! So, it is not hard to see why and how a section of society is getting richer by the day. Unsurprisingly, the tax authority, or the government for that matter, is getting lukewarm response from the black money holders making it clear that they are not willing to come under the NBR's tax net. This approach of the government's handling them with kid gloves only betrays its weakness, which the corrupt quarters take full advantage of. So, what is the point of showing such generosity to those people who are having a field day by defying law, whereas the honest income earners are paying taxes just out of their honesty and willingness to abide by the law? And this softness towards those earning money illegally and hiding it from the tax authority is only apt to send a wrong signal to society. It is that if you are somehow able to earn a large sum of money illegally, keep it to yourself evading tax, you will be rewarded. But if you are a law-abiding, honest citizen and not hiding your earnings from the tax authority, you are nobody. Worse, if you fail to pay your tax, you will be subject to legal proceedings.

To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.​

 

[Saif]

How far does the gold syndicate’s reach go?

Involvement of law enforcers, public officials must be investigated

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How far does the gold syndicate's reach go?
Involvement of law enforcers, public officials must be investigated

The unexplained death of Jhenaidah MP Anwarul Azim Anar has brought some shocking truths to light, including details of a brazen gold smuggling operation in his constituency. According to a recent investigation by this daily, Anar had invented a "token" system that would allow carriers transporting illegal gold a free pass from law enforcement. In return, the latter would get a "handsome" cut. This daily interviewed a carrier who said there are dozens like him who pick up consignments from various districts and deliver them to the border, where other operatives smuggle them out to India. The border smugglers earn between Tk 1 lakh and Tk 2 lakh per consignment, while carriers receive a fixed monthly salary.

According to local sources, gold smuggling has been taking place through this border area over the last four to five decades. Azim has reportedly been involved in the gold trade since he was a student in 1986, assuming a leading role for the last 10 years. The three-time MP stood accused in 21 cases between 2000 and 2008, including murder, extortion, and smuggling of arms, explosives, drugs and gold (which subsequently got dismissed during the AL regime). We cannot help but wonder how a man of his "notoriety" could hold such an important position, and whether the ruling party was truly unaware of the scale of his involvement in criminal networks.

The government should be as worried as we are about the nexus among criminals, law enforcement and political leaders, and the possibility of complicity of more people within its own ranks in sustaining such criminal networks.

The slain MP may have been one of the kingpins of this smuggling syndicate, but the question still remains: who else is involved in the trade, and how deep does the involvement run? Most importantly, can we expect an independent investigation into the syndicate now, or will the kingpins continue to orchestrate the show from behind the curtains, with the same impunity they have enjoyed till now?

The government should be as worried as we are about the nexus among criminals, law enforcement and political leaders, and the possibility of complicity of more people within its own ranks in sustaining such criminal networks. In order to regain public trust as well as for its own sake, the government must initiate a thorough and credible investigation into the smuggling syndicate, beginning with identifying all those within the law enforcement and administration who have been actively aiding and abetting the process. Exemplary action must be taken against them, no matter their designation. Anar's murder and subsequent investigations have caused great damage to the country's reputation, and the government must respond with urgency and full transparency.​

 

[Saif]

Benazir's corruption and the crisis of accountability

Benazir's case shows that top police and Rab officials can abuse power for personal gains without any accountability.

www.thedailystar.net

Benazir's corruption and the crisis of accountability

VISUAL: STAR

The year was 2018. On August 30, the results of Transparency International Bangladesh's (TIB) "Corruption in Service Sectors: National Household Survey 2017" were released. According to the survey, the country's law enforcement agencies (LEAs) ranked in the highest position in terms of the experience of corruption by surveyed households. Of the households that received services from them, 72.5 percent were victims of different forms of corruption.

The Bangladesh Police Service Association (BPSA) rejected the TIB survey results in a statement issued on September 11, 2018. The statement, sent by the additional deputy commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, also the office secretary of the Police Service Association, alleged that the TIB's survey report "identified the police as a corrupt institution based on preconceived notions." It was also claimed that, "In case of any unlawful behaviour of the police, proper legal action is taken after investigation."

The story of identifying the LEAs as the "most corrupt sector" in the TIB survey and subsequent rejection by the BPSA came to my mind in the wake of the recent allegations of massive corruption against former police and Rab chief Benazir Ahmed. Documents from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) show that Benazir and his family bought at least 204.5 acres of land between 2009 and 2023. Of these, 112 acres were purchased during his tenure as inspector general of police (IGP) and Rab chief.

Was Benazir Ahmed's purchase of such a vast amount of land while he was head of police and Rab consistent with the legitimate income he was earning? Is it not an illegal act to force people to sell land by intimidation? Where was the process of "legal action" claimed by the BPSA when Benazir was engaging in such unlawful behaviour day after day as a senior officer in the police force? Why was Benazir's corruption exposed only after his retirement, and not when he was in office?

Not only was no action taken against Benazir's massive corruption and abuse of power when he was in office, he was also being given one reward after another. This is not only an internal problem of the LEAs. The entire government, including the ministry of home affairs, is also responsible here.

The Public Security Division of the home ministry honoured him with the Integrity Award 2020-21. But ACC data shows that he and his family bought nearly 87.9 acres of land in 2020 and 2021. The Integrity Award is supposed to be given to someone who meets the standards of scrupulousness and honesty. Where were those standards when Benazir was given the award? Apart from the Integrity Award, Benazir was awarded the highest medal of the police force, Bangladesh Police Medal (BPM), a total of five times between 2011 and 2019. With so many intelligence agencies in the country and so much surveillance, is it at all believable that the authorities, including the LEAs, were not aware of his illegal activities? How dysfunctional could a country's institutional system be that the person who was involved in massive corruption was rewarded time and again, instead of being punished?!

To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.​