Mozammel’s Illicit Funds Behind Benazir’s Extravagant Life

Bangla Press Desk: Former Additional Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Gazi Md Mozammel Haque, has allegedly amassed vast illegal wealth across the country, from elite areas of the capital to other important locations. However, he is not said to be the sole beneficiary of these assets; rather, he has allegedly distributed portions among fellow officials. Those reportedly benefiting include fugitive former IGP Benazir Ahmed and several other controversial and accused police officers. Among them are fugitive former DIG Harun-or-Rashid and Special Branch (SB) chief Monirul Islam, along with at least 10 senior officers now living abroad, allegedly leading lavish lifestyles funded by Mozammel’s money. Allegations also suggest that funds have been sent to several absconding Awami League leaders.

Wealth amassed through abuse of power: Having held key positions in law enforcement for years, Mozammel is accused of using his influence to accumulate enormous wealth. Previous media reports and various sources indicate that he built a shadow empire under the cover of official duties. Allegations against him include land grabbing, forced purchases, manipulation of tenders, and acquiring hundreds of crores of taka through influence.

Victims from Rupganj, Meghna in Cumilla, and Sunamganj have described alleged abuses. One of them, Haji Solaiman Mia of Rupganj, said while standing in the Ananda Housing project: “I had a fish project here. Mozammel filled it up along with the fish. He seized eight bighas of land belonging to me and my siblings. To this day, we have received no compensation. I went to the police station and even the police headquarters, but found no remedy. Now I survive by selling vegetables, and my son works as a mason. Had this land not been taken, we would have been financially stable.”

Investigations suggest that a significant portion of Mozammel’s earnings has been laundered abroad. The funds have allegedly been used to provide homes, cars, and luxury lifestyles for close associates, as well as to expand business ventures. Particular attention has been drawn to what is referred to as the “Benazir family” — a term said to include not only his relatives but also close fugitive police officers. These individuals are reportedly living lavishly in countries including India, as well as in Europe, America, and the Middle East, enjoying expensive apartments, luxury cars, and high-end lifestyles.

Multiple sources say the use of the word “police” in the name “Ananda Police Housing Society” was intended to gain commercial advantage. Mozammel allegedly gifted a plot in the project to Benazir Ahmed, who even constructed a house there. That property has since been seized by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Sources further claim the plot was given merely to demonstrate influence and to benefit from Benazir’s name, which Mozammel allegedly exploited extensively.

It is worth noting that former IGP Benazir Ahmed is currently a fugitive facing serious corruption allegations. The ACC has filed cases against him for illegal wealth accumulation and money laundering, and courts have ordered the seizure of his assets and issued arrest warrants. Investigative reports indicate that he and his family members own vast assets, including land across the country, flats in Gulshan, and shares in multiple businesses worth hundreds of crores of taka. He reportedly left the country with his family after the investigation began and is now under international scrutiny. Sources say that despite having no visible legitimate income, he and other fugitive officials maintain extremely expensive lifestyles abroad.One of the most serious allegations against Mozammel concerns the so-called “Ananda Police Housing Society”. Although the term “police” is used, those concerned claim the project has no official approval or direct link with any government authority.

Local residents allege that land for the project was acquired through coercion. Many claim they were threatened, including with false cases, forcing them to give up ancestral land.

Despite longstanding allegations, no visible action has been taken against Mozammel, leading to public frustration. Many believe he has used his influence to place himself above the law.

Investigations also suggest that Mozammel is not acting alone but is part of a powerful syndicate involving individuals from administration, business, and politics. This network has allegedly facilitated the smooth operation of illegal activities.

Through this syndicate, an organised system of fund collection, laundering, and investment has developed, turning the issue from individual corruption into a broader institutional problem.

Analysts warn that such allegations damage the government’s image, particularly in light of commitments to anti-corruption and good governance. They stress that without prompt and impartial investigations, public trust will further erode. Civil society and concerned citizens have already demanded a fair inquiry.

They emphasise the need to examine the sources of Mozammel’s wealth, the channels of money laundering abroad, and the roles of those involved. There are also calls to identify and repatriate assets held overseas.

Crime analyst Professor Dr Muhammad Umar Faruk said: “There is a lack of effective monitoring. There should be scrutiny of what assets officials owned before service and what they accumulated during their careers. They rarely hold assets in their own names, using proxies instead. This makes legal action difficult and encourages others, who believe they too will face no consequences. The Anti-Corruption Commission has not been as effective as expected. Stronger institutional action and continuous monitoring are essential to curb such practices.”