Former IGP Benazir Ahmed released on bail in Dubai

After his release from jail, Benazir Ahmed told this correspondent that he was released on bail as per the court's order and is physically healthy. However, he expressed his inability to comment in detail on the next legal proceedings of the case at this moment.

Multiple Dubai-based sources claimed that the court imposed several conditions for bail. According to the conditions, Benazir Ahmed's passport will remain with the court, and he will not be able to leave the United Arab Emirates without the court's permission.

The sources further said that a hearing of both sides was held at the Dubai court over the extradition-related documents sent by the Bangladesh government and the related legal issues. After the hearing, the court decided to grant him bail with conditions.

However, no formal statement has been obtained from the Dubai authorities so far. Similarly, concerned officials at Bangladesh Police Headquarters declined to comment on the matter.

Earlier, Benazir Ahmed was arrested in Dubai in the context of a case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). According to concerned sources, he was detained with the help of Dubai Police and the cooperation of Interpol, the international police organization. On June 12, Dubai Police informed the Bangladesh authorities about this through a letter.

There are multiple cases against Benazir Ahmed over allegations of illegal wealth accumulation and money laundering. International legal proceedings were initiated against him as part of the investigation into these allegations.

Benazir Ahmed served as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Bangladesh from April 15, 2020 to September 30, 2022. Earlier, he was the Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and the Director General of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). In December 2021, when the United States imposed sanctions on several RAB officials over human rights violation allegations, his name was also included in that list.

Before the political change in 2024, when corruption allegations against him became public, the ACC started an investigation. Later, he left the country. Subsequently, multiple cases were filed against him, and arrest warrants were issued against him by the court in different cases.