Former inspector general of police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, once embroiled in a range of controversies involving the misuse of power and crimes such as enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, has been arrested in Dubai.
He was detained on Friday at a shopping mall in Dubai based on an Interpol Red Notice issued in connection with a case filed by the Bangladesh Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
Dubai police also seized his passports, including those of Bangladesh and Portugal. The government has already begun the process of bringing him back to Bangladesh as soon as possible.
This is the first known instance of a former senior Bangladeshi government official being detained abroad on corruption allegations.
During his tenure in top police positions, allegations were raised against him involving extrajudicial killings, abductions, enforced disappearances, the large-scale accumulation of illegal wealth beyond known sources of income, and money laundering abroad.
The ACC has filed six cases against him and his family. There are also 18 cases related to murder and incitement to murder, including one linked to the Shapla Chattar killings.
Facing these allegations, he left the country with his family three months before the fall of the Awami League government on 5 August 2024. Interpol issued a Red Notice against him in February 2025 based on ACC cases.
Benazir served as DMP Commissioner, Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and Inspector General of Police. While in office, he allegedly abused his power but remained beyond accountability, reportedly answering only to then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He was considered one of the most powerful figures in the state.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and ACC Deputy Director Akhtarul Islam said efforts are underway to bring him back to the country quickly, where he will face trial.
Benazir, who is also under US sanctions over allegations of human rights violations, has further been accused of obtaining a fake PhD degree.
According to Police Headquarters, he left Dhaka on 4 May 2024 with his wife and daughters on a Singapore Airlines flight and has since been residing in various countries. Before leaving, he allegedly laundered a large amount of illicit wealth to different countries.
Benazir had been travelling between various countries without any trouble. However, he was eventually arrested following the Interpol Red Notice.
Arrogance in high office
Benazir Ahmed served as Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) commissioner from October 2010 to 8 January 2015.
He led the joint forces’ operation on 5 May 2013 at Motijheel’s Shapla Chattar, where a Hefazat-e-Islam gathering was dispersed after electricity was cut off. Police also used sound grenades and baton charges against Hefazat activists.
He claimed that no fatalities occurred under his command and that law enforcement handled the situation professionally. However, reports suggest that 58 people were killed in the incident.
The case filed in connection with the incident is currently being tried at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), where Benazir is one of the accused.
From 7 January 2015 to 14 April 2020, he served as Director General of RAB, during which allegations emerged of abductions, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings of BNP-Jamaat activists, including the widely reported Narayanganj seven-murder case.
He is accused of using such tactics as part of political suppression. Although he headed RAB, he was not accountable to the police leadership.
After becoming IGP on 15 April 2020, Benazir allegedly became even more reckless, including forcing ownership stakes in businesses and engaging in land grabbing.
Despite being the police chief, he became a powerful figure within the Awami League government, answering only to the Prime Minister and largely ignoring even the Home Minister.
Until his retirement on 30 September 2022, he was widely seen as operating above legal accountability.
During his tenure in senior police and RAB positions, he was accused of intimidation, misuse of power, and land grabbing. He is also alleged to own several resorts and hundreds of acres of land acquired through illegal means. ACC investigations have reportedly uncovered substantial assets in his and his family’s names.
Human rights violations and sanctions
During his time as RAB chief and IGP, allegations were raised regarding his involvement in multiple extrajudicial killings. His name has also appeared in connection with an arson attack involving members of the Tripura community.
Numerous cases of abduction, enforced disappearance, and extrajudicial killing during his tenure at RAB drew international attention, triggering criticism both domestically and abroad.
In December 2021, the United States imposed sanctions on seven RAB officials over human rights violations, including Benazir.
Murder cases
According to Police Headquarters, 17 cases have been filed against him in Dhaka and other parts of the country over the killings of students and civilians during the anti-discrimination movement in July-August 2024.
In these cases, he has been accused of being the “order-giver” behind the killings. He is also an accused in a case related to crimes against humanity over enforced disappearances at RAB’s TFI Cell during the Awami League government. The case is currently being heard by International Crimes Tribunal-1.
ACC cases
The ACC has filed a total of six cases against Benazir and his family members. One case involving the accumulation of illegal wealth and money laundering is currently under formal trial, while five others remain under investigation.
The trial in a case involving Tk 11.34 crore in illicit wealth and money laundering has already begun.
Five additional cases involving allegations of passport forgery, corruption, and concealment of assets are under investigation. Courts have issued arrest warrants in these cases.
Another case involving passport forgery is also under investigation. He is accused of obtaining multiple passports using false information.
Initiative to bring him back
Disclosing information about Benazir’s arrest in Parliament on Sunday, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said that under UAE federal law, an official extradition request must be submitted through diplomatic channels within 30 days of the arrest.
Relevant authorities are preparing the necessary documentation, he said.
He told Parliament that the National Central Bureau (NCB) of Police Headquarters had earlier applied to Interpol for assistance in arresting Benazir. Following that request, Interpol issued a Red Notice on 11 April 2025, requesting UAE authorities to identify and arrest him.
The Home Minister said the NCB is coordinating through Interpol channels, while the ACC is preparing the required case documents, arrest warrants, and investigation records for extradition.
The Ministry of Home Affairs will finalise and approve the extradition proposal, which will then be sent to UAE authorities through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After the completion of these procedures, coordination with Abu Dhabi’s NCB will facilitate his swift return to Bangladesh.
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