Former IGP Benazir Ahmed resorted to passport forgery

Bangladesh’s public discourse has been roiled by the current revelations surrounding former Inspector Normal of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed’s passport historical past. The main points paint an image of a meticulously constructed net of deception, allegedly constructed upon misrepresentation, abuse of energy, and a calculated effort to avoid established procedures. This text delves into the recognized info, explores potential motives, and highlights the broader implications of this unfolding controversy.

On the coronary heart of the controversy lies Benazir Ahmed’s constant avoidance of official passports designated for presidency staff. All through his illustrious profession, which noticed him maintain positions like Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Director Normal of Speedy Motion Battalion (RAB), and finally IGP, Benazir Ahmed opted for peculiar passports. This, in itself, wouldn’t be inherently suspicious. Nevertheless, the style wherein he allegedly obtained these passports and the lengths he went to so as to conceal his true identification paint a disturbing image.

Investigations recommend a deliberate sample of misrepresentation. In 2010, whereas renewing his passport, Benazir Ahmed reportedly bypassed the blue official passport and as a substitute secured an peculiar one, declaring himself as somebody employed within the “personal service” sector. This sample continued via subsequent renewals in 2014 and 2016, even whereas he served because the Director Normal of RAB, a extremely delicate place inside Bangladesh’s legislation enforcement equipment.

The state of affairs took a extra regarding flip in 2016. When Benazir Ahmed, then RAB Director Normal, utilized for a renewed personal passport, it triggered suspicion on the Passport Division. Authorities, understandably cautious of a high-ranking official in search of a passport that didn’t mirror his true place, blocked the applying and requested a departmental no-objection letter (NOC). Nevertheless, based on sources, Benazir Ahmed allegedly bypassed correct channels and exerted undue affect on RAB headquarters. This resulted in a letter favoring his utility, successfully forcing the Passport Division to subject the passport regardless of the irregularity.

This incident raises critical questions concerning the alleged collusion between Benazir Ahmed and RAB headquarters. The correct functioning of any authorities establishment hinges on adherence to established procedures and a transparent chain of command. If these allegations maintain true, they recommend a worrying disregard for the foundations and a willingness to bend them for private achieve.

The controversy doesn’t finish there. Upon turning into IGP in 2020, Benazir Ahmed reportedly continued to keep away from the purple diplomatic passport usually issued to officers of his rank. He allegedly resorted to much more audacious measures. Citing a fabricated sickness, Benazir Ahmed reportedly had a cellular passport unit dispatched to his residence, the place officers accomplished the formalities for a 10-year e-passport in full secrecy.

Transparency Worldwide Bangladesh (TIB), a number one anti-corruption watchdog, has condemned this whole episode as a blatant abuse of energy and a “multidimensional crime” encompassing corruption, abuse of authority, and forgery. Specialists level out that such actions not solely undermine the integrity of the passport system but in addition increase critical questions on Benazir Ahmed’s motives for going to such extraordinary lengths.

A number of theories have emerged to elucidate Benazir Ahmed’s aversion to official passports. One chance is a want to hide potential plans for buying citizenship overseas, one thing that turns into extra sophisticated with a government-issued passport. One other principle suggests Benazir Ahmed might need sought a standard passport for the liberty of unfettered journey and the power to go away the nation shortly if essential.

The potential penalties of Benazir Ahmed’s actions are far-reaching. Passport officers spotlight the blatant violation of established procedures. The foundations are clear: authorities staff in search of peculiar passports require approval from their respective ministries or departments, and their occupation have to be precisely said – “authorities worker,” not “personal service.” Benazir Ahmed’s alleged actions characterize a transparent violation of those rules.

This scandal extends past a single particular person’s actions. The alleged involvement of RAB headquarters in pressuring the Passport Division raises issues a few potential tradition of impunity inside some authorities establishments. Moreover, the case of Haris Ahmed and Tofail Ahmed Joseph, brothers of former military chief Normal Aziz Ahmed, reportedly acquiring passports via related means suggests a doubtlessly wider sample of abuse that calls for quick investigation.

The Benazir Ahmed passport controversy calls for a swift and thorough investigation. Transparency and accountability are paramount in making certain the integrity of Bangladesh’s passport system. This case additionally raises questions concerning the potential vulnerabilities inside authorities establishments that might be exploited for private achieve. A complete response is important to revive public belief, uphold the legislation, and be certain that such blatant disregard for protocol and process doesn’t turn into a recurring theme inside Bangladesh’s esteemed establishments.