Since partition of India and creation of Pakistan, a disturbing and rogue culture of grabbing Hindu properties which have been continuing, did not stop even after independence of Bangladesh in 1971. Instead, influential figures in all the political parties in the country, including Awami League, which is known as favorable to Hindus – are engaged in systematically grabbing Hindu properties – including temple lands and in some cases, Hindus are being forced to migrate to Bharat fearing threats on their lives.
Now, the case of former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, who is under US sanctions has been accused of grabbing hundreds of acres of lands belonging to Hindus in the country, while some of them were forced to flee the country. Quoting victims, the English edition of Dhaka’s leading vernacular daily Prothom Alo stated, Hindus “had no alternative but to sell the land. They were threatened, coerced and forced in various ways to sell the land”.
From another report published in Dhaka Tribune it is evidently proved, Benazir’s notoriety of grabbing Hindu properties has not been limited to just one district. Instead, he has grabbed Hindu properties in a number of districts in Bangladesh, whereas Hindu families were forced to give the lands to him out of fear. Those who refused to sell their properties fell victims of numerous forms of intimidation that include legal harassment. Most of these victims were forced to leave the country.
Expressing utter dismay at Benazir’s continuous notoriety a High Court bench comprising Justice KM Kamrul Kader and Justice Khijir Hayat Lizu said, “Irregularities and corruption of a government official are being discussed and criticised at home and abroad. How could an inspector general of police become the owner of so much wealth? We are stunned”.
During his tenure as the Inspector General of Police and previously holding an important position in Bangladesh Police, Benazir Ahmed has systematically targeted a huge volume of Hindu properties in various districts in the country and later grabbed. One of his victims is from the Mitra family in Patikelbari village of Gopalganj district. Before falling prey to this corrupt police officer’s unending greed, Mitras though were not rich, they were never destitute. They had over 27.5 acres of farmland that was sufficient for them to at least live a decent life.
Swarasati Roy (60), another victim of Benazir Ahemd hailing from Borokhola village in Madaripur district was forced to give up her 31 decimals of land – only livelihood means. Now being turned into a mere pauper, Swarasati Roy now works at other people’s homes to earn a living.
Every time Benazir targeted a Hindu property, one of his assigned police officers would show-up and tell the owners – You know Benazir and how powerful he is. If you decline to sell your land, he would surely take it anyway. You will lose both your land and the money”.
Hindu property owners were even threatened by Benazir’s men stating, “Benazir Ahmed is a powerful officer and a devout Muslim. If you disagree, selling your property to him – he will make sure you rot in prison. He can even ask local Muslim leaders to evict you from your property and force you to migrate to Bharat. What will you do? Why will I listen to your plea? This is a Muslim country. You can’t afford ignoring a powerful Muslim officer”.
Although recently country’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has started investigation into series of corruption charges brought against Benazir Ahmed and members of his family, his wife has submitted an application seeking to postpone the corruption hearing, although it is rumored that Benazir Ahmed, along with his family members have already left the country. And if finally they show-up and cooperate in ACC’s ongoing investigation, there is no scope for those Hindus getting their properties returned, which have already gone into the possession and ownership of Benazir.
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