Home of Influential Ex-General Raided in Extensive Asset Probe
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) today launched a significant operation, raiding the home of former army officer Major General (dismissed) Ziaul Ahsan. The raid, confirmed by ACC spokesperson Tanzir Ahmed, took place at Ahsan’s property in the Jalsiri Housing Project in Rupganj, Narayanganj.
ACC officials, led by Deputy Director Md Hafizul Islam, began the operation this morning. They are currently creating a detailed list of items found at the residence, which are set to be seized. The action is part of an ongoing lawsuit against Ziaul Ahsan, focusing on allegations that he acquired assets far beyond his known and legitimate income.
Ziaul Ahsan was formally arrested in this asset acquisition case on January 7, following an application by the ACC. He was initially taken into custody in the early hours of August 17, 2024, from the Khilkhet area of the capital. Since then, he has also been linked to a murder case filed at the New Market police station, related to the recent public protests, and has remained in detention.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), Ahsan is accused of misusing his authority to gather assets worth over Tk 222 million, which greatly exceeds his declared sources of income. He is also alleged to have deposited $55,000 US dollars, a sum that goes beyond legal limits.
The investigation further claims that approximately Tk 1.2 billion in suspicious transactions flowed through eight bank accounts held in his name. The FIR states that he made frequent large deposits and withdrawals across various bank accounts. He is also accused of working with his wife, Nusrat Jahan, to transfer and hide these funds under the names of different individuals and organizations.
The charges against Ziaul Ahsan include abusing his power as a senior army officer, thereby violating the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, the Penal Code, the Money Laundering Prevention Act, and the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Ziaul Ahsan previously served as the head of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC), Bangladesh’s national agency for telecommunications surveillance. He was considered a highly prominent and powerful official during the 15-year rule of the Sheikh Hasina government. He was removed from his position on August 6, the day after the Awami League government’s fall.
