A recent statement of Bangladesh Police Service Association (BPSA) advising journalists on how to report in a way that doesn't tarnish the police department's image is as bizarre as it is disturbing. The episode was triggered by media reports on the accumulation of huge wealth by two former top-notch police officials, one a retired Inspector General of Police (IGP), Benazir Ahmed, and the other, former DMP commissioner, Asaduzzaman Mia.
If not for journalists' fearless approach to uphold the principles of journalism, their obscene assets might still be under the carpet. Benazir Ahmed was regarded as one of the most influential top-notch police officers in the history of Bangladesh; a much-lauded and eloquent preacher against corruption and a crusader against wrongdoing. Benazir received the 'Integrity Award' for 2021-2022 from the government for his "ethics, integrity and honesty". The 'top man of integrity', however, was exposed following his retirement. The amount of his reported ill-gotten wealth is simply beyond belief.
When the news of the scandal first broke in late April, Benazir audaciously taunted the reporters in a video message that he would give all his property to them if they could prove the accusation. But in a proof that public opinion still carries weight in Bangladesh's democracy, even though it is flawed to a certain extent, the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) was allowed to open an investigation into Benazir's murky world. The ACC went below the iceberg tip the media had initially reported and discovered that many of his family members had also incredibly benefited from his ill-gotten wealth.
So far, the anti-corruption watchdog found 12 flats in Dhaka's posh areas registered under the names of Benazir Ahmed and his family members, along with 697 bighas of land across various districts, shares in 19 companies, and family savings certificates worth Tk 3 million. Additionally, 33 bank accounts and three beneficiary owner (BO) accounts have been identified. The court has ordered the confiscation of all these properties. Benazir skipped the ACC interrogation for the second time in a row on June 23. Reportedly, he and his family have fled the country.
Following the Benazir revelations, former DMP commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia came into the spotlight, once again, for all the wrong reasons. Although Asaduzzaman Mia and his family members' alleged accumulation of wealth is less extensive than that of Benazir's, nevertheless it is unusual by any standard. Whether they acquired this wealth legally or illegally should be determined through proper investigation.
The reports about the accumulated assets of former top brasses of police are enough to drive the readers out of their wits. In response to allegations of accumulation of assets of such mammoth scale, how can Bangladesh Police Service Association (BPSA) recommend that media be more careful in publishing any report about the police force? Instead of performing an in-house clean-up, the association had the audacity to describe the reports as a "smear campaign" by the media. It claimed that the reports published by print, electronic, and social media outlets are "partial, motivated, exaggerated, and misleading."
If that wasn't enough, an investigation was reportedly launched to find out who was leaking sensitive information to the media. Subsequently, an additional deputy commissioner (ADC) of Gazipur Metropolitan Police (GMP) was allegedly put under suspension last Monday for leaking personal information about former DMP commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia. In the face of the ever-growing allegations of corruption against former and current members of the police force, the BPSA should warn its members of the consequences of any wrongdoing, call for a departmental investigation and punish those responsible for corruption and other irregularities in a bid to restore public trust.
Their pitiful attempt didn't go unanswered. The Editors' Council termed the BPSA statement as "indecent, illogical and irresponsible" attitude towards independent media and impartial journalism. Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) strongly condemned the same statement, calling it a direct threat to press freedom and an attempt to suppress the media's voice. It went on to say that the statement by the police officers' association potentially indicates a systematic effort to shield those accused within the force. And last, but not least, the Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) termed it a moral support for the corrupt. Understandably, the ill-conceived statement found no support outside the BPSA.
Corruption scandals, however, are not exclusive only to the police; now, Matiur Rahman, a senior officer of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), is at the centre of controversy. He came under scrutiny when his teenage son Ifat boasted on social media about purchasing a goat for an astonishing Tk1.2 million for Eid-ul-Azha. The extravagant purchase sparked widespread speculation as to how he could afford it. The disgruntled Matiur initially retorted saying that Ifat was not his son. Media reports later, however, revealed that Ifat was indeed his son and shed light on his unchecked accumulation of wealth. Reportedly, he also fled the country before the High Court could impose a travel ban.
At any rate, these incidents provide concrete proof of the common allegation that widespread corruptions take place in various departments of the government. Social media is also abuzz with discussions about who is actually leading the corruption marathon - government employees or politicians. The people get a glimpse of an astounding rise in politicians' wealth during elections when candidates are bound to disclose their wealth statements.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said on Tuesday that some people amass so much wealth that they have to flee from the country. She rightly termed the propensity to amass wealth as 'an addiction'. But mere acknowledgement of the problem or sacking and punishing one or two officials is not enough. The government needs to probe much deeper and act decisively to stem the rot.
© 2024 - All Rights with The Financial Express
