United News of Bangladesh

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, who was recently granted conditional bail in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), may hold passports from multiple countries, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Monday. “We have instructed our law firm to file a petition seeking cancellation of his bail because we suspect he may have passports from other countries as well,” he told reporters at the Secretariat. Salahuddin said the government has already contacted the law firm representing Bangladesh in the UAE, while the Home Secretary has also discussed the matter with the UAE Ambassador. “We are yet to know the details of the bail conditions. We are trying to obtain a certified copy of the bail order,” he said. The minister said the government has also requested its legal representatives to submit Bangladesh's extradition-related documents to the UAE court and seek cancellation of Benazir's bail. Asked why Benazir was granted bail despite Bangladesh's efforts to bring him back, Salahuddin said he would not comment on the court's decision without knowing the details of the order. On the recovery of bomb-like objects at Kamalapur and Ashulia, the home minister said people have no reason to be overly concerned. “A vested quarter attempted to disrupt communal harmony. However, our law enforcement agencies with the support of the Bomb Disposal Unit handled the situation successfully,” he said. He added that authorities are closely monitoring the situation and investigating to identify those responsible.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Sunday said the government is in touch with the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and expressed hope that former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed would be brought back to Bangladesh soon. “Communication between the two sides is underway and the required documents have been exchanged. They (the UAE) wanted some specific information which was provided accordingly,” she told reporters after attending a programme in the city. The State Minister said the UAE is taking steps in accordance with its laws, and the Bangladesh government will take the next step through due process. Earlier, she spoke at an event where Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury attended as the chief guest. Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir said the government is initiating the process of bringing back former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Home Ministry has started the necessary process, and discussions are ongoing, he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to a question about media reports that Benazir had been released on bail in the UAE. “If there is progress, you will be informed by the Home Ministry or our Foreign Ministry. You will get an update from the Home Ministry. I have just come from the meeting. It would not be right to talk about something that I am not fully aware of yet,” the adviser said. Several media outlets have reported that Benazir Ahmed has been released on bail in the UAE. Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed was arrested in Dubai by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) police in connection with a case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Bangladesh. On June 14, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed disclosed the development in Parliament. He said the UAE authorities informed the Bangladesh government of the arrest on June 12. “We will bring him back to Bangladesh soon,” the minister said, describing it as a major success for Bangladesh Police. In April 2025, Interpol issued a red notice against the former police chief. The government of Bangladesh, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), officially launched the National Action Plan (NAP) 2026–2030 for implementing the objectives of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) in Dhaka. The development of the NAP was supported by the European Union through the EU-funded Prottasha II project, implemented by IOM. The event also included a debriefing on the outcomes of the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) 2026, highlighting Bangladesh’s leadership and contributions to the global migration agenda. The National Action Plan was approved by the Cabinet on May 21, 2026. State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md. Nurul Haque, Adviser to the Prime Minister Mahdi Amin, and Deputy Director General for Operations of the International Organization for Migration Ugochi Daniels also attended the event. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md. Mokhtar Ahmed delivered remarks on the NAP and shared their reflections on the 2026 IMRF. The speakers, emphasising sustained collaboration among government institutions, international partners, civil society, the private sector, and migrants for the successful implementation of the NAP, underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring that migration remains safe, orderly, and regular while maximizing its contribution to national development and protecting the rights and dignity of Bangladeshi migrants. The event also featured Bangladesh’s renewed commitments and pledges toward the implementation of the GCM, remarks from civil society, and the official unveiling of the National Action Plan. Bangladesh’s GCM journey, achievements, and challenges were showcased at the venue through a video documentary and a thematic exhibition.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday told Parliament that former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, who was arrested recently in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in connection with corruption cases, will be brought back to Bangladesh soon. “An official extradition request will be sent to the UAE authorities through diplomatic channels by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Central Bureau (NCB) of Bangladesh Police will coordinate with Abu Dhabi to bring him back to Bangladesh very soon,” he said. Delivering a statement under the Rule 300 in the House, the Home Minister said the government of Bangladesh was informed through an email sent on June 12, 2026 by the Director General of the Federal Criminal Police of Abu Dhabi under the UAE Ministry of Interior that Benazir Ahmed, an accused in corruption cases, had been arrested by the UAE police. Citing that the former police official is currently accused in various cases filed under the Penal Code, the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Bangladesh Passport Order, he said the necessary case documents, arrest warrants and investigation-related papers required for extradition are ready, while the Ministry of Home Affairs has prepared and approved the extradition proposal, to bring him back to Bangladesh very soon. Under the law, a formal extradition request must be sent through diplomatic channels within 30 days from the date of arrest, he said. “This is a historic success for Bangladesh Police. Through this, we will be able to come out of the culture of impunity, InshaAllah,” said Salahuddin. He said the development would also reassure the nation that no one is above the law, no matter how powerful the offender may be. “It would help establish the rule of law in the country and remain a milestone in Bangladesh's history,” he added. Earlier, Bangladesh Police requested the Interpol to issue a Red Notice against Benazir Ahmed and then Interpol requested the UAE Ministry of Interior to arrest him, said the minister.  

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed has been arrested in Dubai by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) police in connection with a case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) back in Bangladesh. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed disclosed the development in Parliament on Sunday in a statement delivered under rule 300 of the Rules of Procedure. He said the UAE authorities informed the Bangladesh government of the arrest on June 12. “We will bring him back to Bangladesh soon," the minister said, describing it as a great success of Bangladesh Police. In April 2025, the Interpol issued a red notice against the former police chief. The development came following a request filed by the National Central Bureau (NCB), a unit of the Police Headquarters. Benazir Ahmed served as the IGP from April 2020 to September 2022, after completing his tenure as the director general of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) from 2015 to 2020. He fled the country on May 4, 2024 alongside his wife and three daughters amid investigation by the ACC into accumulation of illegal wealth.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against five individuals, including former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, for allegedly obtaining a second passport through forgery, bypassing the required no objection certificate (NOC) from the police department. The case was filed by ACC Deputy Director Hafizul Islam at the commission's integrated district office in Dhaka, ACC Deputy Director and Public Relations Officer Akhtarul Islam confirmed to UNB. Benazir's family accounts show 'abnormal, suspicious' transactions right after ACC investigation made public The other accused in the case are former Director of the Dhaka Division Passport Office, Mohammad Fazlul Haque, former Director Munshi Muyeed Ikram, current Director Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun, and Technical Manager of the e-Passport and Automated Border Control Project, Sahena Haque. Benazir Ahmed, who previously held senior positions such as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) at Police Headquarters, Additional IGP, Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), is accused of applying for machine readable passports (MRP) and e-passports without obtaining the necessary departmental clearance. Despite being in police service, he allegedly declared his profession as "private service" on the applications. Benazir's Rupganj property worth Tk 10cr seized According to the ACC, the accused officials, fully aware of Benazir Ahmed’s true identity and official status, knowingly facilitated the process by approving both an ordinary passport and an official e-passport without proper verification. This misconduct is being prosecuted under several sections of the Penal Code. Additionally, they are charged under section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947, and section 11 of the Bangladesh Passport Order, 1973. This case follows a recent ACC asset declaration notice served to Benazir Ahmed and his family.  

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today (June 02, 2024) said that authorities will proceed with corruption charges against former police chief Benazir Ahmed. Should he be found guilty, he will be compelled to return to Bangladesh, he said. Speaking at a press conference at the Awami League president’s office in Dhanmondi this afternoon, Quader emphasized the government’s firm stance against corruption, saying, “No leniency will be shown.” Quader, who is also the General Secretary of Awami League, detailed that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is actively investigating Benazir’s case. “The investigation, legal proceedings, and potential arrests are all part of a legal process,” he said. The government will not bypass the ACC to take any premature actions. If there are any failures within the anti-corruption agencies, they too will face scrutiny, said the AL leader. Fakhrul questions how Benazir “sneaked off to Singapore” Highlighting the current administration’s commitment to combating corruption, Quader remarked, “Since 1975, no other government has shown the courage to act against corrupt individuals. Sheikh Hasina’s government has demonstrated this bravery. While individuals may commit corruption, it is the government’s stance against such actions that matters.” Quader also criticized Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for its inaction against corruption during its tenure. “BNP didn’t take any measures against corruption while in power,” he said. Addressing allegations from BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir that Benazir fled abroad with government assistance, Quader retorted, “Who from the government escorted him to the plane? Which authority facilitated his departure? Do not throw around baseless accusations.” Govt bears responsibility for misdeeds of Aziz, Benazir: Fakhrul Quader also accused BNP of initiating a culture of financial misconduct. “The culture of money laundering and economic misappropriation began during the BNP’s era. When in power, BNP leaders indulged in rampant illegal earnings. This is an established fact both domestically and internationally. After coming to power in 2001, corruption became institutionalized under the BNP, leading to Bangladesh being named the most corrupt country five times consecutively. Convicted and fugitive BNP leader Tarique Rahman is currently leading a lavish lifestyle abroad with the illicit money.” Quader read from a written statement at the beginning of the press conference, asserting the integrity of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “No one can claim that our Prime Minister has engaged in or tolerated corruption. Sheikh Hasina is recognized globally as a thoroughly honest politician, whose popularity stems from her hard work and honest living.” He further criticized the BNP, saying, “BNP’s main leader Tarique Rahman is a convicted fugitive and a known criminal. A party led by such an individual cannot work for people’s welfare or gain their trust.” In response to a journalist’s question, Quader remarked, “BNP is ruled by the king of thieves.” Read more: Why Aziz, Benazir yet to be arrested, asks Manna

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed will go on retirement on September 30. A gazette notification in this regard was issued by the Home Ministry's Public Security Division on Thursday. Benazir will reach his retirement age at 59 on September 30, the gazette added. He will be on post-retirement leave (PRL) from October 1 this year to September 30 next year. He will be entitled to retirement and post-retirement leave benefits as per government rules, it added. Benazir, who also served as director general of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), was appointed Bangladesh's police chief on April 8 in 2020.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed on Wednesday called upon the police members to perform their duties with new impetus after the Eid celebrations. The IGP made the call while exchanging Eid greetings with police officers, members and civil staff working at the police headquarters on Wednesday. Read: Police to help cattle traders transport their cash safely: IGP

Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed has advised the cattle traders to take the help of police if needed to return home safely with the money they make from selling their animals.  He said this while talking to reporters at Kamalapur field, after inspecting security arrangements of cattle markets in different parts of the capital on Saturday. The IGP said, "I have talked to all the traders, buyers and tenants about the discipline of the cattle market, paying tax (hasil), and overall management.” Also read: IGP calls for vigilance against extortion of cattle traders ahead of Eid Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mohammad Shafiqul Islam and other senior police officials were present on the occasion. DMP Additional Commissioner of Police (Admin) Mir Rezaul Alam, Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime and Operations) Krishnapad Roy, Additional Commissioner of Police (DB) AKM Hafeez Akter, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Mohammad Munibur Rahman and other senior officials of DMP were present.  

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed urged police  to work with more dedication for the welfare of the  people.The IGP was speaking at a function at RMP Police Lines on the occasion of the 30th founding anniversary of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) on Friday afternoon.The IGP said people have high expectations from the police.As the country  moves forward, the people's expectations from the police will increase, the IGP said, adding that the police officials must be ready to provide the expected services.“We have to serve the people beyond their expectations," he told the police officials.