Benazir arrested in UAE
To be brought back soon, home minister tells JS
FE REPORT | Monday, 15 June 2026
Runaway former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, wanted in corruption cases, has been arrested by police in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following an Interpol notice.
"He will be brought back to Bangladesh soon," Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed informed parliament Sunday as the news travelled in.
Speaking under Rule 300, the home minister said that after the current government assumed office, the Bangladesh Police applied to Interpol to facilitate Benazir Ahmed's arrest in connection with corruption allegations.
According to the minister, the application was submitted on April 11, 2025, and subsequently reviewed by the International Police or Interpol, which later issued a red notice against Benazir. Through the notice, the UAE Ministry of Interior was requested to arrest him.
The home minister further stated that on June 12, Bangladesh received an official email from the Directorate General of Federal Criminal Police, National Central Bureau (NCB) Abu Dhabi, confirming that Benazir Ahmed had been held by UAE authorities and was currently in custody.
He said NCB Abu Dhabi informed Bangladesh that, under UAE Federal Law No. 39 of 2026, a formal extradition request must be submitted through diplomatic channels within 30 days from the date of arrest.
Salahuddin Ahmed notes that Benazir Ahmed is facing ongoing legal proceedings under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471, and 109 of the Penal Code, as well as under the Prevention of Corruption Act 1974, and Section 11 of the Bangladesh Passport Order 1973.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has prepared the requisite case documents, arrest warrants, and investigation records needed for extradition.
Once the Ministry of Home Affairs finalizes and approves the extradition proposal, a formal extradition request will be sent to the UAE authorities through diplomatic channels.
"The government is working closely with Abu Dhabi authorities to bring him back to Bangladesh as quickly as possible," the minister says, describing the arrest as a "historic success" for Bangladesh Police.
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