Govt to send extradition proposal for ex-IGP Benazir to Dubai

Published : Monday, 15 June, 2026 at 3:47 PM Count : 23

The government has initiated efforts to bring back former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed to Bangladesh from United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the National Central Bureau (NCB) of Bangladesh Police have set their next course of action to repatriate Benazir.

According to multiple officials, the Ministry of Home Affairs will prepare and formally approve an extradition request. The proposal will then be sent through diplomatic channels by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the relevant authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where Benazir is believed to be residing.

The ACC will be responsible for preparing the necessary case documents, arrest warrants and other supporting materials required for the extradition process.

Officials familiar with the matter said UAE law requires a formal extradition request to be submitted within 30 working days of an individual's arrest.

Once all relevant documents are received from Bangladesh, a UAE court will decide whether Benazir should be extradited. Authorities said two key stages of the process—a Red Notice issued by Interpol and Benazir’s arrest—have already been completed.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said Bangladesh would submit a formal extradition request through diplomatic channels in accordance with UAE law.

"He is facing multiple cases, including corruption-related charges. The government will maintain diplomatic communication to ensure his swift return to Bangladesh," the minister said.

He added that following the government's assumption of office, a request was sent in 2025 seeking Benazir’s arrest in connection with corruption cases. Interpol subsequently issued a Red Notice and requested the UAE authorities to apprehend him.

Sources at Police Headquarters said Bangladesh applies for Red Notices against at least 25 individuals each year. Those currently on the list include former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is reportedly staying in India following her removal from office, members of her family, former ministers, former advisers, business figures and other fugitives wanted in various cases.

Ex-IGP Benazir Ahmed served as IGP from 15 April 2020 to 30 September 2022. Before that, he held key positions as Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police and Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).

In December 2021, the United States imposed sanctions on seven current and former RAB officials over alleged human rights violations. Benazir Ahmed was among those sanctioned.

FP/MI