Court orders seizure of tax files of DB Harun, his brother, Benazir's wife and daughter

A Dhaka court today (8 January) directed authorities to seize the tax files of former Detective Branch chief Harun or Rashid and his brother ABM Shahriar, as well as of former IGP Benazir Ahmed's wife and daughter. 

Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md Zakir Hossain Galib issued the orders after hearing separate petitions filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).  

ACC Public Prosecutor Ruhul Islam Khan confirmed the court orders to The Business Standard.

ACC Deputy Director and investigation officer Muhammad Joynul Abedin filed two petitions, pleading to seize the tax files of Harun or Rashid and his brother ABM Shahriar. 

ACC Public Prosecutor Ruhul Islam Khan moved the pleas before the court.

The former DB chief, Harun or Rashid, faces allegations of amassing Tk17.51 crore illegally and retaining possession of the assets. His brother, ABM Shahriar, is accused of possessing Tk12.96 crore in properties acquired through similar means.  

Meanwhile, the same court also ordered the seizure of tax files of Benazir's wife Jishan Mirza and daughter Tahsin Raisa Binte Benazir, following two other petitions filed by the ACC Deputy Director Joynul. 

ACC Public Prosecutor Mahmud Hossain Jahangir moved the petitions on behalf of the anti-graft body. 

As per the ACC plea, Jishan Mirza is accused of concealing wealth worth Tk16 crore and possessing properties valued at Tk31.69 crore, allegedly acquired through illegal means.   

Tahsin Raisa Binte Benazir is accused of possessing properties worth Tk5.59 crore, also allegedly bought with illicit funds.