A local source claims that former Bangladesh police chief Benazir Ahmed was betrayed by her former associates in Dubai. The source says that some of her associates had a conflict with Benazir. The reason for the conflict was business and transactions.
The Dubai source also said that Benazir Ahmed was arrested from a shopping mall. The operatives behind this used the Interpol red notice and the US ban on Benazir to influence the Dubai police.
Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Bangladesh Benazir Ahmed was arrested in Dubai on June 12. The country’s government informed the Bangladesh government about the matter through an e-mail. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed made the announcement in a statement given under Rule 300 in the National Parliament on Sunday. He said that a request letter must be sent within 30 days of her arrest to bring Benazir back.
Benazir Ahmed left the country with her family on May 4, 2024, amid corruption investigations. A ‘red notice’ was issued against her by Interpol. The source in Dubai says that Benazir has investments in the real estate sector and gold business in the city.
The source also says that Benazir Ahmed came to Dubai a couple of weeks ago. On this occasion, those who had conflicts with her became active and were able to get her arrested through Dubai Police, keeping in mind the Interpol red notice.
The source claimed that Benazir Ahmed invested ‘laundered money’ in Dubai’s real estate and gold business while she was in the police. The source also said that investing laundered money in Dubai is not easy. In this case, the cooperation of locals or Bangladeshis who already have investments there is needed. It is possible that Benazir has developed a conflict with those from whom she took cooperation.
No official statement has been received from the UAE’s Ministry of Interior, Dubai Police, or Bangladesh Police regarding where and how Benazir Ahmed was arrested. Prothom Alo e-mailed the country’s Ministry of Interior and Dubai Police on Monday to inquire about the matter. However, no response was received until the time of writing this report on Tuesday night.
The United Arab Emirates-based media outlet Khaleej Times reported the arrest of Benazir Ahmed, citing the AFP news agency. Arab News also reported the news, citing AFP.
Meanwhile, the Interpol website now has 59 Bangladeshi names on the ‘Red Notice’ list. Among them are top terrorists, murder suspects, fugitive convicts in the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman murder case, and fugitives in various cases. There are not many examples of arrests and return of suspects through Red Notices.
A top Bangladesh Police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Prothom Alo on Tuesday night that he does not believe Benazir Ahmed was arrested solely because of the red notice. He also believes that someone is behind it.
Request letter to the Home Office
Meanwhile, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has completed the preparation of the necessary documents to bring Benazir Ahmed back to the country. On Tuesday, a request letter was finalized and sent to the Home Ministry.
Investigating officer ACC Deputy Director Md. Hafizul Islam told Prothom Alo that the work of preparing the request letter has been completed. It has been sent to the Home Ministry.
A source involved in the investigation said that a request letter with evidence of various cases against Benazir Ahmed, including corruption, illegal acquisition of wealth, money laundering and passport fraud, has been sent to the Home Ministry. From there, it will go to the Foreign Ministry. Later, it will be sent to the United Arab Emirates government through diplomatic channels.Read more
How Benazir left the country
ACC sources said that Benazir Ahmed currently has six corruption and fraud cases pending against her. Of these, a chargesheet has been filed in one case of acquiring assets beyond known income.
Benazir Ahmed served as the Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) (2010-15) and Director General of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) (2015-20) during the Awami League government that was ousted in the July mass uprising. She was made IGP in April 2020. She held that position until September 2022.
Benazir Ahmed’s home was in Tungipara, Gopalganj. She was close to the then ruling party, the Awami League.
On December 10, 2021, the United States imposed sanctions on RAB and seven of its former and current officers for alleged serious human rights violations. Benazir Ahmed was named on the list. She was the IGP at the time. Benazir retired in 2022. She was not given any other important position at that time.
