Former Bangladesh Police Chief Arrested in Dubai on Corruption Charges
Authorities in Dubai detained former Bangladesh Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed following an Interpol Red Notice issued over multiple corruption and passport fraud allegations.
Former Bangladesh Police Chief Arrested in Dubai on Corruption Charges
Law enforcement in Dubai detained a former head of Bangladesh's national police force following an international arrest warrant issued through Interpol.
Benazir Ahmed, who led Bangladesh's police as Inspector General from April 2020 until September 2022, was taken into custody in the United Arab Emirates on 12 June, according to Prothom Alo English. His detention came after the Anti-Corruption Commission in Dhaka applied for Interpol assistance through the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The commission accuses Ahmed of amassing wealth far exceeding his lawful earnings. One case already before the courts alleges he acquired assets worth roughly Tk 146.2 million beyond what his official income could justify. Five additional investigations are ongoing, with claims that his unexplained wealth may total around Tk 760 million.
Investigators also allege Ahmed used deception to obtain several private passports while still a government employee. The commission began probing him last year after corruption allegations surfaced publicly.
Subsequently, authorities filed multiple cases against Ahmed and relatives, charging them with illicit enrichment, hiding asset information, and financial misconduct. Courts ordered the seizure of extensive movable and immovable property registered in their names, along with the freezing of bank accounts. The attached assets include flats in Dhaka, hundreds of bighas of land across several districts, corporate shares, and savings certificates.
In February this year, a court directed that an Interpol Red Notice be circulated for Ahmed's arrest. The global police organisation issued the notice shortly afterwards.
Bangladesh's Ministry of Home Affairs says diplomatic and legal steps to secure his return are already in motion and are being treated as a priority. Officials hope to complete the formalities and bring him back to face trial without delay.
Before becoming Inspector General, Ahmed served as chief of the Rapid Action Battalion and as Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police.
Source: Google News UAE — Dubai