by Asif Showkat Kallol (Dhaka Bureau)
Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Bangladesh, Benazir Ahmed, who is accused of severe corruption and money laundering, has been arrested in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Dubai City Police took him into custody based on a ‘Red Notice’ issued by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) at the request of the Bangladesh Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
On June 12, the Dubai Police officially confirmed the arrest in a letter sent to the Bangladesh Police Headquarters. High-level diplomatic and legal coordination has now commenced between Dhaka and Abu Dhabi to extradite the fugitive former top official to face trial in Bangladesh.
Extradition Process and Legal Stature
The Ministries of Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh have launched joint efforts to ensure the swift repatriation of Benazir Ahmed. This handover process is being facilitated under the existing mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and prisoner transfer agreements between Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates.
The National Central Bureau (NCB) of Bangladesh Police Headquarters in Dhaka is currently maintaining direct communication with NCB Dubai. Meanwhile, copies of the international arrest warrant issued by a Dhaka court, along with the ACC charge sheet alleging the accumulation of Tk 110.4 million ($11.04 crore) in illegal wealth, are being translated into Arabic. These are being forwarded to Dubai’s judicial authorities to minimize the suspect’s chances of obtaining bail or engaging in prolonged legal battles. Additionally, as his Bangladeshi passport has been revoked through legal channels, authorities now deem his stay in Dubai entirely ‘unlawful.’
The Genesis of the Downfall: ‘Aladdin’s Lamp’
According to investigators, Benazir Ahmed fled the country with his family in May 2024 after corruption allegations surfaced. However, his downfall began two years prior when an investigative report was published in the daily Kaler Kantho newspaper during the autocratic regime of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Key Findings of the Investigation:
• Total Property: Massive resorts and farms sprawling over 1,400 bighas of land.
• Acquisition Rate: Calculated across his career timeline, he purchased an average of 15 decimals of land every single day.
• Charges: Abuse of power, forced land grabbing, accumulation of wealth beyond known income sources, and international money laundering.
Pro-government journalist Haidar Ali published the investigative piece titled ‘Aladdin’s Lamp in Benazir’s Hand.’ Political analysts believe that the ruling regime permitted the publication of this report primarily as a ‘political stunt’ to deflect public anger and project an image of administrative transparency. Even after retiring as IGP, Benazir wielded such immense influence that locals were terrified to speak out against him, and the government initially refrained from taking any action.
Seizure of Global Assets and Bank Accounts
The ongoing investigation into Benazir Ahmed’s financial crimes is not confined to Bangladesh; it has expanded globally. On July 14, Dhaka’s Metropolitan Senior Special Judge’s Court ordered the attachment of Benazir’s international assets.
• United States: Orders were issued to attach two luxury properties located on Lake Avenue and Lake Street in New York City, each valued at approximately $215,000. Additionally, his bank accounts at Standard Chartered Bank in the US have been frozen.
• Malaysia: Directives were issued to freeze his bank accounts held at CIMB Islamic Bank in Kuala Lumpur.
The court passed the order following an application by ACC Deputy Director Mohammad Hafizul Islam. The compliance application stated that Benazir Ahmed had acquired at least Tk 94,464,751 in wealth beyond known income sources during his tenure as IGP. Furthermore, investigators found that the accused and his relatives were attempting to transfer these overseas assets before the formal charge sheet could be submitted.
International observers view Benazir Ahmed’s arrest under the Interpol Red Notice as a major milestone in the global fight against corruption and the enforcement of institutional accountability.
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The Writer:
Asif Showkat Kallol: Works for a German-based online outlet, The Mirror Asia, as Head of News and is a Contributor, Pressenza- Dhaka Bureau.
