Dubai seeks details on Benazir handover

A new turn has emerged in the process of bringing back former IGP Benazir Ahmed, detained in Dubai, UAE, in a corruption case.

Although Dubai Police has given in-principle consent regarding his handover, they have sought clarification from the Bangladesh government on four issues to clarify the legal and technical process.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is currently making intensive preparations to respond to this letter, sent via Interpol.

Sources at the ACC and Police Headquarters said this letter from Dubai Police reached Bangladesh a few days ago. Work is currently underway to prepare a response to the letter, in coordination with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs, with assistance from the Interpol branch of Police Headquarters.

ACC officials concerned said that Dubai Police essentially wants to know, since there is no direct extradition treaty between Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates, under which international legal framework and through what process Bangladesh intends to bring back Benazir Ahmed.

As part of the process of bringing back Bangladesh’s former police chief (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, arrested in Dubai, Dubai Police has sought clarification on 4 issues regarding the legal and technical aspects of his extradition.

Legal basis: Since there is no extradition treaty between Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), under exactly which legal framework and through what process he will be brought back to the country.

Arrest warrant: The international legal basis of the arrest warrant issued by the court and its enforceability.

Coordination of process: Why the Home Ministry is coordinating the entire extradition process instead of the Law Ministry.