Ex-IGP Benazir Ahmed arrested in Dubai, home minister tells parliament

Former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed has been arrested in Dubai, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed informed parliament today (14 June).

The arrest came in connection with a case filed by Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission, he said.

The minister said Bangladesh Police received an email from authorities in Dubai on 12 June confirming the arrest.

Benazir will be repatriated soon, with Bangladeshi authorities coordinating closely with their UAE counterparts to facilitate his return, he added.

Salahuddin also hailed Benazir's arrest as a historic success for Bangladesh Police.

He said he hopes this development will help Bangladesh move beyond a culture of impunity, assuring the nation that no offender, however powerful, is above the law.

It will help establish the rule of law in the country and remain a milestone in Bangladesh's history, the minister added.

Benazir served as IGP from 15 April 2020 to 30 September 2022. 

Before that, he also held the posts of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) commissioner and director general of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).

In December 2021, the United States imposed sanctions on seven then-current and former RAB officials over allegations of human rights violations. Benazir was among those named. 

A few months before the Awami League was ousted from power in the 2024 July Uprising, corruption allegations were raised against Benazir, prompting an investigation by the ACC. He left the country around that time.

Subsequently, multiple cases were filed against him and courts issued arrest warrants in connection with the charges.