United News of Bangladesh

Dhaka Boat Club Limited (DBCL) on Thursday expelled its former president and ex-Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, along with club secretary Tahsin Amin. The decision was made at an executive committee meeting held at the club on Thursday. Situated on the pristine and lush shores of the Turag River in Dhaka, the club previously came into the spotlight after expelling member Nasir U Mahmood from its executive committee. The real estate businessman was arrested for allegedly attempting to rape and murder popular actress Pori Moni. That expulsion had been made at an executive committee meeting presided over by then-president Benazir Ahmed, attended by eight other members and the club’s adviser Rubel Aziz. In today’s meeting, the committee announced plans to take legal action to ensure appropriate punishment for the accused. They said the expulsion followed discussions on various financial irregularities and embezzlement involving the two, which came to light after over five months of investigation at multiple levels. Model Meghna shown arrested in fraud case The findings were later confirmed through an audit conducted by a reputable firm, according to a written statement. Separately, on February 20, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed a case against Benazir Ahmed, his wife and two daughters on charges of money laundering involving Tk 11.34 crore. The other accused are Benazir’s wife Jissan Mirza, eldest daughter Farheen Rishta Binte Benazir, and younger daughter Tahseen Raisa Binte Benazir. Benazir Ahmed served as the IGP from April 15, 2020, to September 30, 2022. He had earlier held the posts of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner and Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). He left the country with his family on May 4 last year. Meanwhile, the court has issued an arrest warrant against him through Interpol.

BNP MP Harunur Rashid on Friday demanded a statement from the home minister over the establishment of the much-talked-about Dhaka Boat Club. "Has it been set up alongside a river with government approval? Is the Inspector General of Police (IGP) performing as its president with any government permission?" he questioned. The opposition MP came up with the questions while speaking in parliament on a point-of-order. "I don't know whether the chief of the police department can become a member or play a role in establishing any such club! There’s nothing like that in Bangladesh’s 50 years of history since independence,” Harun said. He alleged that consumption of alcohol, playing cards and gambling go there regularly. He demanded a statement from the home minister whether the IGP could be a member of any such club under any law. The Dhaka Boat Club Limited came in the limelight after actress Pori Moni brought an allegation of rape and murder attempt on her at the club. Later, businessman Nasiruddin Mahmood and Omi were arrested in a case filed by Pori Moni. Read: Take action against Dhaka Boat Club: BNP MP