Benazir nabbed in Dubai

Former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed has been arrested in Dubai by UAE authorities in connection with a major corruption case filed by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed confirmed the development, saying the suspect was arrested by Dubai Police with the assistance of Interpol following a request from Bangladesh.

Benazir Ahmed, who served as chief of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) from January 2015 to April 2020 and later as Inspector General of Police from April 2020 to September 2022, has long been under scrutiny.

He faces US sanctions imposed in 2021 for his alleged involvement in serious human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings during his tenure at RAB.

The ACC is currently investigating him for allegedly amassing huge wealth through abuse of power. He and his family are accused of acquiring at least 613.41 bighas of land across different districts.

Of this, 605.77 bighas are located in Gopalganj and Madaripur – land that reportedly once belonged to members of the Hindu community.

The commission claims the properties were obtained through direct intimidation and indirect pressure.

Most of his assets, including the Savanna Eco Resort and Natural Park in his hometown of Gopalganj, were reportedly built during his time as RAB chief and IGP.

Authorities had been informed of the arrest through an official letter sent on June 12. Benazir Ahmed had left Bangladesh earlier and was staying in Dubai.

This arrest is seen as a major development in the ACC’s efforts to hold former high-ranking officials accountable for corruption and abuse of power.

The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected in the coming days.