Govt moves to bring back Benzir Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmad has expressed hope that the United Arab Emirates will expedite the return of former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benzir Ahmed, following his arrest in Dubai in connection with an Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) case.

Speaking on Saturday at the Secretariat during an award ceremony recognising police personnel for their role in maintaining law and order, the Home Minister said formal documents relating to the case had been sent to the UAE authorities promptly after he informed Parliament.

“The documents related to Benzir Ahmed were sent to the UAE government the afternoon of the day after I informed Parliament about the matter.

I hope the country’s government will follow the proper process and return him very soon,” he said.

Benzir Ahmed was arrested on 12 June from a shopping mall in Dubai based on an Interpol Red Notice issued in connection with an ACC-initiated case.

Although extradition procedures allow up to 30 days for submission of formal requests, the government said it had acted with urgency in forwarding the necessary documentation.

Referring to concerns around potential unrest on 23 June, the Home Minister said security agencies had been placed on alert.

“I suspect that a banned political party may try to create unrest and instability around June 23 (Awami League’s founding anniversary).

Police will fulfil their responsibilities – alerts have been issued across the country for this purpose. I do not consider it a political party; it is a mafia party,” he said.

He added that law enforcement agencies must be both accountable and recognised for their performance, stressing that the government follows a policy of both reward and punishment.

“From the very beginning, the government has thought about being strict in suppressing wrongdoers and protecting the law-abiding. That is why there is a punishment and award policy.

Those who remain inactive, neglect their duties, and engage in corruption will be brought to account,” he said.

The Home Minister also said the award programme was intended to encourage police officers who perform their duties under difficult and risky conditions.

“We want to recognise those who are performing their duties at the risk of their lives. People had the impression that the police force had perhaps become inactive. But in the period following August 5, the police force rapidly regained its moral courage.

After the elected government came to power, they have become far more active – performing their duties at the risk of their lives, which is noteworthy. They deserve respect for such achievements,” he said.

He added that the government was working to strengthen morale within the force and improve overall law and order conditions.

Addressing crime in Mohammadpur, the Home Minister said the area had long been affected by criminal activity and would require a phased approach to address the situation.

“Mohammadpur has been a haven for criminals for many years – it is not possible to eliminate that overnight. However, some plans have been made.

Criminals there will be eliminated in phases and crime will be brought under control,” he said.

The remarks come amid ongoing government efforts to strengthen law enforcement, address corruption-related cases, and improve public security across the country.