ACC gives ex-IGP Benazir, ex-NBR official Matiur 21 working days to turn in wealth statements

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has asked former police chief Benazir Ahmed and former National Board of Revenue (NBR) official Matiur Rahman to submit their wealth statements, following a countrywide uproar over a large amount of their assets allegedly amassed illegally.

In separate notices issued today (2 July), the graft watchdog has also sought information about the assets of their wives and children, ACC Secretary Khorsheda Yasmeen said during a press briefing at the commission's headquarters in the capital.

The notice mentions that action will be taken as per the Anti-Corruption Commission Act if they fail to submit their asset statements in the prescribed form within 21 working days of receiving this order, or if a false asset statement is filed.

"There will be penalties as per the ACC Act if the accounts are not submitted within the stipulated time," Khorsheda Yasmeen said, adding that the notices have been issued to find out whether the members of these two families have any other assets apart from the seized assets.

Earlier on 24 June, despite receiving a second opportunity to appear before the ACC, Zeeshan Mirza, Benazir's wife, and their two daughters did not show up for questioning. 

Benazir Ahmed also failed to appear before the ACC on 23 June. Afterward, the ACC secretary said the commission would now pursue further legal action against the former inspector general of police.

Meanwhile, the ACC has issued a notice to submit the details of the assets of Matiur Rahman, his two wives, and his two children, as discussed in the goat incident.

The ACC head office issued separate notices to Matiur's first wife Laila Kaniz, his son Ahmed Taufiqur Rahman Arnab, his daughter Farzana Rahman (Ipsita), and his second wife Shammi Akhtar.

The asset declaration notice has been issued under Section 26(1) of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, and Rule 17(1) of the Anti-Corruption Commission Rules.

The secretary stated that no decision has been taken yet regarding the former commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Asaduzzaman Mia.

Additionally, the ACC has found banned Brahma cows in Sadiq Agro's operation. When asked whether any action has been taken in this regard, Khorsheda Yasmeen told reporters, "The ACC is working on these matters and will provide information later."

Journalists also questioned whether there is any investigation into how Matiur was allowed to get away despite four previous investigations against him. In response, the secretary said, "An investigation is also underway into how he passed the previous investigations."