Home Ministry Hands Over Benazir Case File to Foreign Ministry
Former IGP Benazir Ahmed. File photo
The process to bring back former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, who was arrested by Dubai police, has advanced another step. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has handed over the case-related file to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He reportedly handed over the file at around 8:20 pm on Tuesday.
Earlier, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) completed the preparation of necessary documents for Benazir’s repatriation. The commission finalized a request letter earlier in the day and sent it to the Ministry of Home Affairs. After processing, the Home Minister forwarded the file to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Earlier in the morning, ACC Deputy Director and investigating officer Md. Hafizul Islam told reporters that the preparation of the request letter had been completed and sent to the Home Ministry.
An investigation-related source said the request letter, along with evidence and documentation of cases against Benazir Ahmed involving corruption, illegal wealth accumulation, money laundering, and passport forgery, was sent to the Home Ministry. From there, it will be forwarded to the Foreign Ministry and then sent through diplomatic channels to the government of the United Arab Emirates.
Benazir Ahmed was arrested in Dubai, UAE, on June 12. The UAE informed the Bangladesh government of the arrest via email. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed confirmed the matter in Parliament on Sunday. In a statement under Rule 300, he said Bangladesh must send the request for repatriation within 30 days of the arrest.
Benazir Ahmed left the country with his family on May 4, 2024. Interpol had earlier issued a Red Notice against him.
ACC sources said there are currently six corruption and fraud cases filed against Benazir Ahmed. In one case involving unexplained wealth, investigators have already submitted a charge sheet. The ACC has compiled case documents, charge sheets, evidence, and related records to expedite the submission of the formal request.
During the Awami League government, now banned, Benazir Ahmed served as Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (2010–2015) and Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (2015–2020). He was appointed IGP in April 2020 and served until September 2022.
Benazir Ahmed hails from Tungipara in Gopalganj and was considered close to the then ruling Awami League.
On December 10, 2021, the United States imposed sanctions on the Rapid Action Battalion and seven of its former and then-serving officials over serious human rights violation allegations. Benazir Ahmed was included in the list while serving as IGP. He retired in 2022 and was not assigned any major post afterward.
Allegations of corruption against Benazir Ahmed surfaced in early 2024. He left the country after the ACC decided to launch an investigation.
