Ex-IGP Benazir Ahmed arrested in Dubai

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed has reportedly been arrested in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in connection with corruption cases filed in Bangladesh.

The arrest was made with assistance from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).

A senior official at Bangladesh Police Headquarters confirmed the development to media on Sunday (June 14).

According to sources, Bangladeshi authorities were formally informed of the arrest through an official communication sent on Friday (June 12). The notice stated that Benazir Ahmed had been detained while staying in Dubai and that further legal procedures would follow in accordance with applicable laws.

The former police chief is facing multiple investigations by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) over allegations of amassing wealth beyond known sources of income, money laundering, and acquiring substantial assets through corrupt practices. Several cases have already been filed against him, while courts have ordered the seizure of various movable and immovable assets linked to him and his family members.

Sources familiar with the matter said efforts had previously been made to secure an Interpol Red Notice against Benazir. As part of international cooperation between law enforcement agencies, authorities reportedly tracked his whereabouts in Dubai before carrying out the arrest.

However, neither Bangladesh Police, the Ministry of Home Affairs, nor the ACC has yet issued a detailed official statement regarding the arrest. UAE authorities have also not publicly commented on the detention or any possible extradition proceedings.

Legal experts say that if Bangladesh seeks his return, the process will have to comply with the laws of both countries, relevant mutual legal assistance mechanisms, and international legal procedures governing extradition or transfer of suspects.

Benazir Ahmed served as Bangladesh’s Inspector General of Police from 2020 to 2022. Prior to that, he held several key positions in the country's law enforcement agencies, including Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).

Allegations of corruption against him have drawn widespread public attention since his retirement.