Heard Benazir left country, can't confirm yet: Home minister

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said he could not confirm whether former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed has left the country or not.

"I have heard that he has left the country but I cannot confirm it yet. I will talk about this after obtaining more details," the minister said while speaking at an event at the TSC Auditorium of Dhaka University today (1 May).

The minister also said police would not be held accountable for any crimes committed by Benazir.

"If former IGP Benazir Ahmed was involved in corruption, it was a personal matter. Bangladesh police would not take responsibility for this. However, the truth about Benazir's actions would be revealed only after an investigation," he said.

According to people familiar with the matter, Benazir left Shahjalal International Airport with his wife and three daughters on a Singapore Airlines flight on 4 May, The Business Standard reported on 30 May. The sources could not confirm whether he has returned to the country or not.

Uncertainty about the former IGP's location has made headlines as accusations and inquiries swirl around him like a growing storm, fueled by media reports, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) moves, and the court orders. 

Courts have ordered the seizure of his assets and frozen bank accounts. The ACC has summoned him, his wife and three daughters to its head office for questioning over amassing illegal wealth.

Meanwhile, addressing the murder of Jhenaidah-4 Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Anwarul Azim Anar, Minister Asaduzzaman today noted that the primary case has been filed in India. 

"The Government of India can apply to the United States to bring back the alleged mastermind of the murder, Aktaruzzaman Shahin."

He assured that orders have been issued to arrest the accused, regardless of their hiding places. 

"Arrangements will be made to bring back the fugitives from Nepal. Those who are guilty will be dealt with according to law," he added.