Former IGP Benazir Ahmed Arrested in Dubai

The Dubai City Police in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has arrested Benazir Ahmed, the former Inspector General of Bangladesh Police (IGP). He was apprehended in connection with a case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh.

A senior official from the Police Headquarters confirmed on Sunday (June 14) that the former IGP was arrested with the assistance of Interpol.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official stated that the authorities were notified of the development via a letter sent on June 12.

Benazir Ahmed is currently reported to be in the custody of Dubai Police. The ACC is expected to initiate the necessary legal procedures to extradite him.

According to ACC sources, a case was filed against Benazir Ahmed on December 15, 2024, on charges of acquiring illicit wealth, concealing asset details, and money laundering. On March 8, 2026, a Dhaka court issued an arrest warrant against him.

Noting that he was abroad at the time, the court directed the warrant to be executed through Interpol. Consequently, the Dubai Police arrested Benazir with Interpol's assistance.

On May 4, 2024, Benazir left Dhaka on a Singapore Airlines flight accompanied by his wife and daughters. However, specific details regarding his destination on that day remained unknown, and the former IGP had been out of the public eye ever since.

Benazir Ahmed assumed the role of IGP in April 2020 and held the top post in Bangladesh Police until September 30, 2022.

In December 2021, the United States imposed sanctions on seven officials of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) over human rights violations.

The sanctions targeted both serving and former officials of the elite force, which included Benazir Ahmed.