Dubai AI Cameras End Benazir’s Escape
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
Dubai International Airport’s transit lounge was filled with the usual hum of global travellers and chilled air. Amidst the crowd, one passenger walked quietly, wearing glasses in an attempt to mask his well-known features. Arriving from London, his next destination was a “safe” city in Asia.
However, Artificial Intelligence (AI) camera watching from the airport ceiling scanned his face, instantly ending the defiance of former Inspector General of Bangladesh Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed.
Dubai police arrested the man who wielded immense power during the Awami League’s 16-year rule on Friday. The arrest followed a warrant issued by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), executed with the cooperation of Interpol.
Following the news, many members of the police force in Dhaka confirmed the matter.
Benazir had planned to travel to either Thailand or Singapore after his transit in Dubai. As he passed through immigration and security, the airport’s AI camera confirmed his identity against Interpol’s database.
Within moments of the Interpol branch of Dubai police verifying the alert, they detained and formally arrested him.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed described the arrest as a “historic success” for the police during a statement in Parliament on Sunday.
He said, “Through this, we will be able to come out of the culture of impunity. At the same time, we want to assure the nation that no matter how powerful the criminal is, no one is above the law. This will remain a milestone in establishing the rule of law in the country and in the history of Bangladesh.”
Salahuddin assured that Benazir would be repatriated soon. Interpol had previously issued a Red Notice against him at the request of the ACC, prompting the UAE Ministry of Interior to act. The Directorate General of Federal Criminal Police, National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abu Dhabi notified the Bangladesh government of the arrest via email.
He explained that the government must submit a formal extradition request through diplomatic channels within 30 days of the arrest. Ministry of Home Affairs will prepare the proposal, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will then send to the UAE authorities. NCB, a branch of police headquarters that communicates with Interpol, will coordinate with authorities in Abu Dhabi.
Benazir Ahmed served as the IGP from 15 April 2020 to 30 September 2022, having previously held the roles of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) commissioner and director general of RAB.
In December 2021, the United States imposed sanctions on seven RAB officials, including Benazir, over allegations of human rights violations.
In early 2024, media reports regarding his massive wealth sparked widespread outrage, leading to an ACC investigation and a High Court order to probe the allegations.
Investigators uncovered vast assets, including land, flats, company shares, and bank accounts registered under the names of Benazir, his wife, and their children. Although courts ordered the seizure of hundreds of bighas of land and numerous bank accounts, Benazir and his family had already fled the country via Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA).
ACC Deputy Director (Public Relations) Akhtarul Islam said that six cases against Benazir are currently pending. The Red Notice was issued based on two specific cases involving passport forgery and the acquisition of wealth beyond known income sources.
He added that legal processes to bring back fugitive accused persons are underway with the cooperation of the Ministry of Home Affairs, following international legal frameworks.
ACC lawyers noted that while repatriation depends on the laws of the concerned country and bilateral processes, they hope to bring Benazir back swiftly to proceed with judicial activities.