Uncontrolled power abuse at high level creating Frankensteins: TIB

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) said today (3 June) unchecked misuse of power by individuals in high-ranking positions was not only alarming but also reminiscent of creating Frankenstein-like figures, undermining the state's accountability mechanisms.

Raising serious alarms about former Inspector General of Police (IGP) and RAB chief Benazir Ahmed's alleged accumulation of illegal wealth through misusing authority, it called for decisive legal action against those aiding and shielding such abuses of power.

In a press release issued today, the TIB demanded fair compensation for individuals who were coerced by the former police chief into forcibly selling their land.

"Information on wealth and property accumulation by the former police chief is surfacing regularly. Media has reported that most of this wealth and property was grabbed by the former police chief by using fear tactics, or he had taken the real owners hostage to force them to sell their land," the press release said.  

It highlighted that in many cases, the owners of these lands were minorities. 

"For carrying this out, the former police chief arbitrarily employed personnel from his own agency and other state-run agencies," the release added. 

Iftekharuzzaman also raised questions about how Benazir Ahmed and his family were able to flee the country amid such serious allegations. 

He said, "Media reports indicate that the former police chief, accused of corruption, fled the country after withdrawing a substantial amount of money from the banks. Given these circumstances, it is truly surprising that someone as controversial as him could leave without anyone noticing. 

"It raises doubts about whether his departure involved collusion, or if any bank official assisted in withdrawing and laundering the funds abroad, or if the investigations against him are superficial."