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Published : 20 Jun 2026, 02:40 PM
Bangladesh has sent the necessary papers to Dubai to extradite former inspector general of police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed within three days of receiving the request, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmad said.
On Saturday after a ceremony at Police Headquarters honouring officers for outstanding service, Salahuddin said Dubai had given 30 days to send the papers after notifying it of Benazir's arrest by email.
"We prepared the documents that very day and sent them to the foreign ministry, from where they went to Dubai through diplomatic channels. We sent the papers in three days, not 30."
Around 144 pages of documents have been translated into Arabic before being dispatched, he says, adding that Dubai has yet to respond.
“The holiday has passed. We will follow up [on Sunday].”
According to him, the government will keep pressing for Benazir’s return despite Dubai having its own legal process.
Bangladesh has previously exchanged detainees with Dubai through Mutual Legal Assistance Requests under the UN Charter, Salahuddin noted.
News of Benazir's arrest in Dubai broke on Jun 14, when the senior BNP leader disclosed it in parliament.
Benazir served as IGP and director general of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) under the Awami League government.
The home minister commented on the security situation surrounding the founding anniversary of the Awami League.
When asked if there were specific threats behind putting field-level police units on high alert, he answered that maintaining vigilance remains their core duty.
He said a political party, whose activity is banned, may try to create instability on Jun 23.
"The police force will carry out its duties. That is why alerts have been issued nationwide."
Police Headquarters sent an urgent message on Thursday to all metropolitan police commissioners and range deputy inspector generals, directing them to assess the likely activities of the Awami League, whose activities remain banned, and take security measures.
