Bangladesh's Ex-Police Chief Detained in Dubai Over Graft Allegations

Authorities in Dubai took into custody Benazir Ahmed, once Bangladesh's highest-ranking police officer, following an Interpol alert sought by Dhaka over corruption accusations.

Bangladesh's Ex-Police Chief Detained in Dubai Over Graft Allegations

On 12 June, law enforcement in Dubai placed Benazir Ahmed — previously Bangladesh's top police official — under arrest. The country's interior ministry relayed confirmation to Dhaka two days later.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed disclosed the detention during a parliamentary session on 14 June. He explained that the global police body had circulated a Red Notice during 2025, prompting Emirati authorities to act. The minister added that formal extradition paperwork must reach Abu Dhabi through diplomatic routes within a month, per UAE statute.

Multiple criminal complaints are pending against the suspect in his homeland. These include accusations tied to Bangladeshi Penal Code provisions on cheating, forgery, and fraudulent document use, plus an alleged breach of passport regulations. Dhaka's anti-graft watchdog initiated the probe that eventually led to court warrants.

Ahmed occupied senior posts throughout his career: metropolitan police commissioner in the capital, head of the elite Rapid Action Battalion, and ultimately inspector general from spring 2020 through autumn 2022. In late 2021, Washington placed him and several colleagues under sanctions citing claims of severe rights abuses.

He departed Bangladesh with relatives in May 2024 while investigators were still examining his affairs. Courts subsequently issued warrants and the international alert followed.

As The Business Standard reported, officials in Dhaka have completed coordination steps and expect the former chief's return soon.

Source: Google News UAE — Dubai