Economy
Authorities to Confiscate Benazir’s Narayanganj Bungalow Today
Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed’s lavish bungalow in Narayanganj’s Rupganj upazila is set to be seized today (6 July), following a court order linked to ongoing legal proceedings against him.
Officials from the district administration and the Narayanganj Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) have already left for Rupganj to carry out the court’s directive. ACC Narayanganj Office Deputy Director Moinul Hasan Rawshani confirmed the move to The Business Standard around 3:30 PM.
A joint team of district administration and ACC officials will raid the bungalow located in Anand Housing, Rupganj. News of the confiscation has drawn media workers to the main gate, while curious local residents and employees of Anand Housing watch the developments unfold.
This action follows the recent takeover on 4 July by the Bandarban local administration of 25 acres of land in the district valued at Tk 30 crore, also owned by Benazir. Sources revealed that Benazir had acquired 25 acres in the Sualak union and 100 acres in Lama upazila, which include a farmhouse, cattle farm, and fish farm.
On 12 June, a Dhaka court ordered the confiscation of more properties linked to Benazir and his family. These assets include 24 kathas of land in Rupganj, three kathas in Uttara, 25 acres in Bandarban, two flats in Badda, six flats in Adabar in his wife’s name, and a six-story building in Gulshan. The court also froze shares in private entities Citizen Television and Tigerafit Apparels Ltd.
Earlier, on 26 May, the court ordered the attachment of properties including four flats in Dhaka bought under 119 deeds, four companies, and partial ownership in 15 other companies. Additionally, four BO accounts were frozen. On 23 May, the same court froze 33 bank accounts and attached properties listed under 83 deeds belonging to Benazir and his family.
The investigations into Benazir Ahmed’s wealth began after a report titled “Aladdin’s Lamp at the House of Benazir” was published on 31 March. Similar reports by other media outlets on 1 and 2 April sparked widespread discussions about the significant wealth Benazir Ahmed had accumulated during his police career.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
