Former Bangladesh Police Chief Arrested in Dubai Over Corruption Charges

Dhaka, June 14: Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed has been detained in Dubai in connection with a corruption case. Bangladesh’s Home Minister, Salahuddin Ahmed, informed Parliament that this action was taken with the assistance of Interpol. Ahmed is also a co-accused in an ongoing trial against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

According to the Home Minister, on June 12, Dubai police notified the Bangladesh government via email through the National Central Bureau that Benazir Ahmed had been arrested. He described this as a significant success for the Bangladesh police and stated that efforts are underway to bring him back to Bangladesh soon.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed a case against the former IGP in December 2024 for corruption and money laundering. He is accused of acquiring illegal assets, concealing property details, and laundering money. Investigations revealed undisclosed assets worth approximately 11.4 crore taka.

On May 3, 2026, the court framed charges against him, and witness testimonies began on May 13. His arrest was made possible with Interpol’s assistance in this case.

Benazir Ahmed is also implicated in another serious case involving alleged enforced disappearances and crimes against humanity linked to the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). In this case, 17 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, have been accused. Benazir has been declared a fugitive in this matter.

A Red Notice has been issued by Interpol against him for crimes against humanity and financial corruption. Following a court order, 621 bighas of land, bank accounts, and shares belonging to him and his family have been seized in Bangladesh. Additionally, instructions have been given to freeze his properties and accounts in the United States and Malaysia.

Furthermore, since December 2021, the U.S. Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on him under the Global Magnitsky Act due to alleged human rights violations.

Benazir Ahmed served as IGP of Bangladesh from April 2020 to September 2022. Prior to that, he was the Director General of RAB from 2015 to 2020. He fled the country with his wife and three daughters following the initiation of a corruption investigation in May 2024.