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Published : 14 Jun 2026, 03:30 PM
Benazir Ahmed, the much-discussed Inspector General of Police (IGP) of the Awami League era, has been arrested in Dubai.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told parliament on Sunday that authorities in the United Arab Emirates informed the Bangladesh government of Benazir's arrest via e-mail on Jun 12.
A red notice was issued by the international police agency Interpol on Apr 11, 2025, to arrest Benazir in connection with a graft case.
The home minister said that Benazir was arrested by the UAE police based on that red notice.
“He is currently detained there. The NCB (National Central Bureau) in Abu Dhabi said that, according to the UAE federal law, a formal extradition request must be sent through diplomatic channels within 30 days from the date of arrest,” Salahuddin said.
He said that there are cases and judicial proceedings against Benazir 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.
Outlining the process of bringing Benazir back to Bangladesh, the home minister said: “NCB has completed international coordination, communication with foreign authorities, and subsequent arrest activities in compliance with the red notice issued through the Dhaka Interpol channel.”
“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 said, “He will be brought to Bangladesh very soon in coordination with NCB Abu Dhabi.”
Describing the incident as a "historic success for the Bangladesh police," the home 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."
During Salahuddin’s statement, members of parliament were seen thumping their tables in support.
He said, "This will be a milestone in the establishment of the rule of law in the country and in the history of Bangladesh."
Graft Case
The corruption case against Benazir was filed on Dec 15, 2024, by Anti-Corruption Commission Deputy Director Hafizul Islam.
After completing the investigation, on Nov 30 of last year, Hafizul submitted the chargesheet accusing the former police chief of acquiring wealth beyond known sources of income, concealing asset information, and money laundering.
According to the chargesheet, Benazir declared immovable assets worth Tk 64.5 million and movable assets worth Tk 57.4 million in his submitted wealth statement.
The investigation, however, found evidence of immovable assets worth Tk 75.2 million and movable assets worth Tk 81.5 million in his possession. This indicates total assets worth Tk 156.8 million.
His lawful sources of income were found to be Tk 65.9 million. After deducting expenses, his net savings stood at Tk 46.3 million.
As a result, Benazir is alleged to have acquired assets worth Tk 110 million beyond known sources of income.
The chargesheet further said, “Benazir Ahmed concealed the illegal source, nature, and ownership of these funds and invested, transferred, and converted them through various bank accounts, business entities, and joint capital ventures.”
On May 3, a Dhaka court indicted Benazir and ordered the case to trial.
The same court began hearing testimony in the case on May 13.
