Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, accused in a corruption case, has been arrested by authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bangladesh has initiated formal steps to bring him back through the extradition process, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told Parliament on Sunday.
The minister made the disclosure while speaking under Rule 300 during a sitting of the National Parliament, which was chaired by Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal.
He said the arrest was carried out based on a Red Notice issued by Interpol, following coordinated efforts between Bangladesh Police and international law enforcement agencies.
The National Central Bureau (NCB), Dhaka, has been working with Interpol to facilitate his return to Bangladesh.
The minister informed the Parliament that Interpol issued a Red Notice against Benazir Ahmed on 11 April, 2025 , after which Bangladeshi authorities formally requested the United Arab Emirates to apprehend him.
He further said that on 12 June, Bangladesh was officially informed through an 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 remains in custody.
According to the minister, under UAE federal law, an official extradition request must be submitted through diplomatic channels within 30 days of the arrest.
He added that Benazir Ahmed is facing multiple cases under the Penal Code and the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, which are currently under trial in Bangladesh.
All necessary legal and procedural steps, including the issuance of the Red Notice and international coordination, have already been completed.
The home minister said efforts are ongoing to bring him back to Bangladesh at the earliest in coordination with UAE authorities.
Describing the development as a significant achievement for law enforcement agencies, he said, “No one is above the law, no matter how powerful.”
He also said the move reflects progress in ending a culture of impunity in the country
