Seized resort of former police chief Benazir Ahmed remains in state limbo as operations struggle
Photo Collected
The Savana Eco Resort and Natural Park, a sprawling facility in Gopalganj’s Bairagi Toll village once synonymous with the influence of former police chief Benazir Ahmed, remains under state control as its former owner faces legal reckoning. Following reports confirmed by Home Minister Salauddin Ahmed, Benazir Ahmed was arrested in Dubai after an Interpol Red Notice was issued, marking a significant development in the investigation into his alleged abuse of power and illicit accumulation of wealth.
The 600-bigha resort, which features luxury cottages, a swimming pool, and extensive man-made ponds, was constructed amid allegations that the land was seized from members of the local Hindu community through intimidation and coercion. Residents of Bairagi Toll have long maintained that the project displaced families and disrupted the peace of the region. Local villagers, including Sanjay Ball, have called on the administration to facilitate the return of their ancestral properties, noting that many who initially protested the land grab still face pending retaliatory lawsuits.
বিজ্ঞাপন
Since the court ordered the seizure of Benazir’s assets, the park’s operation has shifted to government oversight. Following an initial closure in June 2024—marred by allegations that equipment was removed from the site under the cover of darkness—the Anti-Corruption Commission and the local district administration formally took control. Management of the agricultural land was subsequently transferred to the Department of Agricultural Extension, while the ponds and water bodies were placed under the jurisdiction of the district fisheries officer.
Economic challenges have defined the facility’s recent history under state-managed leasing. Suruchi Traders, the firm currently operating the park, reported significant financial losses during the previous year, citing a lack of visitors and the poor state of the aquaculture ponds. Despite a 10 percent increase in the lease value to approximately 7.3 million taka for the current year, the operators have opted to exclude the ponds from their contract due to profitability concerns.
বিজ্ঞাপন
Current operations are scaled back, with roughly 40 staff members maintaining the grounds. While the park remains open to the public, daily foot traffic is sparse, reflecting the facility’s decline from its peak as a symbol of personal excess. Local agricultural officials confirmed that they are actively seeking new lessees for the remaining ponds to ensure the land continues to contribute to the local economy while the broader legal proceedings against the former inspector general of police continue to unfold.
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