Former IGP, Benazir, arrested in UAE

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, who is accused in corruption cases, has been arrested by police in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following an Interpol notice. He will be brought back to Bangladesh soon, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed informed Parliament on Sunday.

Speaking under Rule 300,  the Home Minister said that after the current government assumed office, the Bangladesh Police applied to Interpol to facilitate Benazir Ahmed’s arrest in connection with corruption allegations.

According to the minister, the application was submitted on April 11, 2025, and subsequently reviewed by Interpol, which later issued a Red Notice against Benazir Ahmed. Through the notice, the UAE Ministry of Interior was requested to arrest him.

The Home Minister further stated that on June 12, Bangladesh received an official email from the Directorate General of Federal Criminal Police, National Central Bureau (NCB) Abu Dhabi, confirming that Benazir Ahmed had been arrested by UAE authorities and is currently in custody.

He said that NCB Abu Dhabi informed Bangladesh that, under UAE Federal Law No. 39 of 2026, a formal extradition request must be submitted through diplomatic channels within 30 days of the date of arrest.

Salahuddin Ahmed noted that Benazir Ahmed is facing ongoing legal proceedings under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471, and 109 of the Penal Code, as well as under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1974, and Section 11 of the Bangladesh Passport Order, 1973.

The minister said that the National Central Bureau, Dhaka has carried out all necessary follow-up activities, including the publication of the Interpol Red Notice, international coordination, communication with foreign authorities, and post-arrest liaison efforts. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has prepared the required case documents, arrest warrants, and investigation records needed for extradition.

He added that once the Ministry of Home Affairs finalizes and approves the extradition proposal, a formal extradition request will be sent to the UAE authorities through diplomatic channels.

“The government is working closely with Abu Dhabi authorities to bring him back to Bangladesh as quickly as possible,” the minister said, describing the arrest as a “historic success” for Bangladesh Police.

He added that the development would help end the culture of impunity and reassure the nation that no one, regardless of power or influence, is above the law.

The Home Minister also described the incident as a milestone in Bangladesh’s efforts to establish the rule of law.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com