No response yet from UAE on Benazir Ahmed's repatriation: Home Minister

The government is still awaiting a response from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding the repatriation of former inspector general of police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Friday (June 26).

Speaking to reporters after a programme marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, the minister said Bangladesh had already completed all necessary formalities through diplomatic channels.

"We have sent the required documents through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and our embassy has submitted them to the UAE authorities. This is the latest status. We are yet to receive any response from the UAE government, but we hope to hear from them soon," he said.

Salahuddin said the UAE had initially allowed 30 days for Bangladesh to submit the necessary documents following notification of Benazir's arrest. However, Bangladesh completed the process within three days.

Asked whether reports that Benazir was carrying another country's passport could complicate the repatriation process, the adviser said the government was still waiting for the UAE's official response.

"As far as we know, he remains in the custody of the federal police. We have no further information at this stage," he added.

Reports of Benazir's arrest in Dubai surfaced on June 14. The government later confirmed the development in parliament.

Replying to another question, Salahuddin said Bangladesh had also requested India to extradite three suspects arrested there in connection with the murder of Inqilab Mancha spoekesperson Sharif Osman Hadi.

"We have sent the necessary documents and warrants to the Indian government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the existing agreement. We hope they will be handed over so that the investigation can be completed and a charge sheet submitted," he said.