Government moves to repatriate former IGP Benazir from the UAE

The government has begun efforts to bring former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed back to Bangladesh from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

To facilitate the process, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), and the National Central Bureau (NCB) of Bangladesh Police have coordinated their next steps for his repatriation.

According to officials, the Ministry of Home Affairs will prepare and approve a formal extradition request, which will then be forwarded to the relevant UAE authorities through diplomatic channels by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Benazir is believed to be currently residing in the UAE.

The ACC will compile the necessary legal documents, including case records, arrest warrants, and supporting evidence required for the extradition proceedings.

Officials familiar with the matter said UAE law requires a formal extradition request to be submitted within 30 working days of an individual's arrest.

Once Bangladesh submits the required documentation, a UAE court will determine whether Benazir should be extradited. Authorities noted that two key stages of the process have already been completed: the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice and Benazir’s arrest.

Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said Bangladesh would submit a formal extradition request through diplomatic channels in line with UAE regulations.

“Benazir Ahmed is facing multiple cases, including corruption allegations. The government will continue diplomatic engagement to ensure his prompt return to Bangladesh,” the minister said.

He added that after the current government assumed office, Bangladesh requested Benazir’s arrest in 2025 in connection with corruption cases. Interpol later issued a Red Notice and asked UAE authorities to detain him.

Sources at Police Headquarters said Bangladesh seeks Interpol Red Notices against at least 25 individuals each year. Those currently on the list include former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who is reportedly staying in India after being removed from office, along with members of her family, former ministers, advisers, business figures, and other fugitives wanted in various cases.

Benazir Ahmed served as IGP from April 15, 2020, to September 30, 2022. Prior to that, he held several key positions, including Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police and Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).

In December 2021, the United States imposed sanctions on seven current and former RAB officials over alleged human rights violations. Benazir Ahmed was among those sanctioned.