ACC moves to bring back Benazir

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has confirmed that the process to bring Benazir Ahmed back has begun. ACC Deputy Director (Public Relations) Aktarul Islam said at a briefing that steps are underway and a formal letter will soon be sent to the UAE government.

He added that, following the arrest in Dubai, necessary documents are being prepared to facilitate his repatriation. Once finalised, the case files will be forwarded through diplomatic channels via the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Following the arrest, Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Md Aminul Islam said at a briefing on Monday that nearly 10 cases are pending against former RAB Director General and ex-IGP Benazir Ahmed at the Tribunal.

He stated that three warrants have already been forwarded to the government, which will be transmitted to Interpol.

He further said that legal proceedings in one case have already begun and the investigation into the 2013 Shapla Chattar incident is nearing completion.

Regarding the killing of former Cox’s Bazar Teknaf municipal councillor Ekramul, the Chief Prosecutor said formal charges against Benazir Ahmed have been prepared and will be submitted shortly.

Md Aminul Islam added that investigations are ongoing in six to seven additional cases involving allegations of enforced disappearances, torture and extrajudicial killings, with Benazir allegedly implicated in multiple disappearance-related cases.

He also noted that financial crime charges have been filed separately by the ACC, as such matters fall outside the Tribunal’s jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates has called on Bangladesh to submit an extradition request within 30 days for former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, who was arrested in Dubai.

Diplomatic analysts say that, as there are no political cases against him, his return may not face significant complications.

Criminal analysts, however, argue that if he is brought back and made to stand trial, it could serve as a deterrent against corruption.

Bangladesh currently has prisoner exchange agreements with India, Thailand and South Africa. No such agreement exists with the UAE.

However, despite the absence of a formal extradition treaty, there are several precedents of accused individuals being returned from the UAE in the past.

Benazir Ahmed, who once took a strong stance against corruption, is now himself accused of extensive corrupt practices.

During his tenure, he held three key positions in the police force for over a decade and frequently came under scrutiny for alleged abuse of power, including land grabbing and allegations involving women and other controversies.

As a fugitive in multiple cases, the former IGP reportedly spent extended periods in hiding across several cities, including Dubai and London. At the request of Bangladesh authorities, he remained on Interpol’s most-wanted list for a prolonged period.

He was ultimately arrested at Dubai Airport with Interpol’s assistance, bringing renewed attention to efforts to secure his return to Bangladesh for trial.

Benazir Ahmed was a senior law enforcement official during the Awami League government, which was later ousted in a mass uprising.

He was arrested in Dubai on the basis of an Interpol Red Notice issued at Bangladesh’s request.

Dubai Police arrested him on 12 June, and the Directorate General of Federal Criminal Police under Abu Dhabi’s National Central Bureau (NCB) informed Bangladesh authorities of the arrest via email.

Former ambassador M Humayun Kabir said the matter would now depend on a bilateral diplomatic arrangement.

He said Bangladesh would formally request the UAE government to facilitate Benazir Ahmed’s return to face legal proceedings, and that cooperation between the two sides could enable his repatriation.

He added that there are no major legal obstacles between the UAE’s legal framework and Bangladesh’s system, making significant complications unlikely.

Criminal analyst Touhidul Haq said the development could serve as a warning to those abusing institutional powers within law enforcement or other agencies.

He added that it may also create concern among individuals involved in past wrongdoing, as similar accountability could be expected in future cases.