No travel ban on Benazir: Hasan
Staff Reporter :
The Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud has confirmed that there are no travel restrictions on former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, despite the seizure of his assets over allegations of illicit wealth accumulation.
Foreign Minister addressed the issue during a media briefing on Monday following his return from Antigua and New York.
Former IGP Benazir Ahmed has been summoned to appear before the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on June 6. Reports indicate, however, that he is currently not in the country.
Responding to questions about any potential actions by the Foreign Ministry regarding Benazir, Foreign Minister Mahmud stated, “There has been no restriction on his leaving the country.
Neither the court nor the ACC has given any such order. When there is no restriction on leaving the country, he can go anywhere he wants.”
Minister Mahmud further added, “Whether he will appear on June 6 or not is a matter of observation, or whether he is taking time.
Since no restrictions have been imposed on his leaving the country, he can go anywhere he wants.”
Media reports reveal that Benazir, along with his wife and daughters, departed Dhaka on a Singapore Airlines flight on the night of May 4.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, when asked about Benazir’s whereabouts, mentioned, “I have heard that he left the country but I still don’t know for sure whether he is here or has left. I have to obtain information before saying anything regarding this.”
Addressing the statement by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) that Benazir-Aziz is a creation of the current government, Minister Mahmud defended the administration.
“The government is running the country with utmost transparency. The ACC is working independently as the government has no hand here, leading to the emergence of these issues,” he asserted. He emphasized that the judiciary is also functioning independently, bringing these matters to light.
On May 23, a Dhaka court ordered the seizure of properties under 83 deeds, totaling 114 acres of land, and the freezing of 33 bank accounts belonging to Benazir and his family members. Three days later, the same court issued additional directives for the confiscation of assets under 119 more deeds linked to Benazir and his family.
Furthermore, the court instructed authorities to seize eight properties fully owned and 15 properties partially owned by Benazir, his wife Jissan Mirza, and their three daughters.
The investigation into Benazir’s alleged corruption began on April 18, following reports by a Bangla daily. The ACC subsequently formed a three-member committee to probe these allegations.