The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) is currently investigating approximately seven to 10 cases involving former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed for alleged crimes against humanity, according to Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam.
Speaking at a press briefing at his office in Dhaka on Monday, Aminul Islam said allegations of Benazir’s involvement exist in every case currently under investigation.
This disclosure follows an announcement made in Parliament on Sunday by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, who confirmed that Benazir has been arrested in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He added that the government is initiating measures to repatriate the former police chief to Bangladesh as soon as possible.
Chief prosecutor noted that Benazir is not only accused of being the mastermind behind the 5 May 2013, operation at Shapla Chattar, but is also linked to several other high-profile incidents.
He detailed that cases concerning enforced disappearances during Benazir’s tenure in the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) are presently under trial. Furthermore, the investigation into the Shapla Chattar incident is reported to be in its final stages.
Investigators also believe that Benazir Ahmed was directly involved in the murder of Cox’s Bazar councillor Ekramul Haque.
Aminul Islam asserted that the former official is allegedly linked to numerous killings and crimes committed while he served as police commissioner, director general of RAB, and subsequently as the IGP.
“If he is brought back to Bangladesh, he will be produced before this tribunal,” Aminul said. He clarified that Benazir would be presented in court for pending cases and, if required, taken into custody on remand for interrogation regarding the ongoing investigations.
During the briefing, chief prosecutor further alleged that Benazir Ahmed played a significant role in the controversial elections held under the Sheikh Hasina administration. He claimed that the former police chief bears responsibility for influencing electoral processes, undermining the democratic system, and the extrajudicial killing of thousands of innocent people.
