Ex-DMP chief’s wealth becomes a burning issue

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Staff Reporter :
Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed’s wealth has sparked widespread debate due to significant assets allegedly acquired beyond his known income, including properties in Dhaka and elsewhere registered under his and his family’s names.

Joining this controversy is former Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Asaduzzaman Miah, whose wealth has also come under scrutiny following his retirement on September 13, 2019.

The discussion around Asaduzzaman Miah’s assets intensified on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha, triggered by reports from a Dhaka-based daily newspaper.

According to the publication, properties held by Miah’s family members include a house and two flats in Dhaka under his wife’s name, a house under his son’s name, and a flat under his daughter’s name.

Additionally, extensive land holdings are reportedly registered in the names of his wife and children across Dhaka, Gazipur, and Narayanganj—totaling 233 centuries.

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In response to these allegations, Asaduzzaman Miah asserted on June 16 that all his assets were acquired through legitimate means and are commensurate with his lawful earnings. The former police commissioner stated that his family members also possess the financial means to acquire properties in their own names.

The controversy deepened further with reports detailing a six-storey house owned by Afroza Zaman, Miah’s wife, situated at Lane-1, L Block of Bashundhara residential area, alongside flats in Iskaton and Dhanmondi registered under her name. Notably, a flat in Siddheshwari is registered under their daughter’s name as well.

Addressing the allegations, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal dismissed the claims of graft against Asaduzzaman Miah as speculative during a press briefing at the secretariat on Thursday.

He also emphasized that no formal allegations had been brought against Miah and that no summons had been issued regarding his alleged illegal properties. The home minister expressed confidence that Miah would provide explanations if summoned.