Zakir Hossain from Dhaka
Former Bangladesh police chief Benazir Ahmed, one of the most influential law enforcement officials during Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government, has been arrested in Dubai following an Interpol Red Notice, Bangladeshi authorities said.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed informed parliament that the UAE authorities notified Bangladesh of Benazir’s arrest via email on June 12. The former inspector general of police (IGP) was detained by Dubai Police on the basis of an Interpol Red Notice issued on April 11, 2025, in connection with a corruption case.
“He is currently detained there. The NCB in Abu Dhabi said that, according to UAE federal law, a formal extradition request must be sent through diplomatic channels within 30 days from the date of arrest,” Salahuddin told parliament.
The minister said Benazir faces charges under sections 420, 467, 468, 471 and 109 of the Penal Code, sections 26(2) and 27 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and section 11 of the Bangladesh Passport Order, 1973.
Explaining the next steps, Salahuddin said, “The Ministry of Home Affairs will approve the extradition proposal after preparing the necessary cases, arrest warrants and investigation-related documents. After that, a formal extradition request will be sent to the UAE authorities through diplomatic channels through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”
“He will be brought to Bangladesh very soon in coordination with NCB Abu Dhabi,” he added.
Calling the arrest a “historic success for the Bangladesh police”, the minister said: “Through this, we will be able to come out of the culture of impunity. At the same time, through this, we want to assure the nation that no matter how powerful a criminal is, no one is above the law.”
He further described it as “a milestone in the establishment of the rule of law in the country and in the history of Bangladesh”.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Monday confirmed that the repatriation process had begun. ACC deputy director (public relations) Akhtarul Islam said all necessary documents were being prepared and a formal request would soon be sent to the UAE government through diplomatic channels.
The corruption case against Benazir was filed on December 15, 2024. Investigators later alleged that he possessed assets worth Tk 156.8 million against lawful earnings and savings that could account for only Tk 46.3 million, leaving assets worth about Tk 110 million allegedly beyond known sources of income.
According to the chargesheet, Benazir concealed the source and ownership of the funds and laundered money through bank accounts, businesses and joint ventures. A Dhaka court framed charges against him on May 3 and began recording testimony on May 13.
Separately, International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) chief prosecutor Md Aminul Islam said Benazir faces around 10 cases before the tribunal. Three warrants against him have been forwarded for transmission through Interpol.
Aminul said proceedings in one case are already underway, while investigations into the 2013 Shapla Chattar crackdown are nearing completion. He added that formal charges have also been prepared in the killing of former Teknaf councillor Akramul Haque.
Investigations are continuing in several other cases involving allegations of enforced disappearances, torture and extrajudicial killings.
“If he is returned to Bangladesh, he will be produced before the relevant courts in the ongoing cases. We will also seek remand in the cases that are under investigation,” Aminul said.