Law firm in UAE hired to seek cancellation of ex-IGP Benazir's bail: Home minister
The minister says the government is trying to obtain a certified copy of the bail order as it seeks Benazir's return through legal channels.
Highlights:
- Media reports say Benazir was granted conditional bail on 27 July and released on 30 July.
- Govt hires UAE law firm to seek cancellation of Benazir's conditional bail.
- Authorities contact Bangladesh's ambassador to the UAE, seeking a certified copy of the bail order.
The government has hired a law firm in the United Arab Emirates to seek the cancellation of former inspector general of police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed's conditional bail, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said today (2 August).
"We have learned that former IGP Benazir Ahmed has been granted conditional bail by a court in Dubai. The government has hired a law firm in the UAE to seek cancellation of the bail order," he told reporters after a meeting with police officers and personnel in Rajshahi.
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The minister also said, "We have spoken to the ambassador concerned and are trying to obtain a certified copy of the bail order."
He further said the law firm hired by the government was working to seek cancellation of the bail order
"We hope to bring him back to the country quickly through the legal process," he added.
According to media reports, a court in Dubai granted Benazir's petition for conditional bail on 27 July. He was reportedly released from custody on 30 July after completing the required legal formalities.
Asked about the reports, Assistant Inspector General (Media) at Police Headquarters AHM Shahadat Hossain told The Business Standard that police had no information on the matter.
"We have no information on the issue. The ministry concerned and the relevant authorities will be able to comment," he said.
On 14 June, the home minister told parliament that Benazir had been arrested in Dubai in connection with a case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission.
The minister said Bangladesh Police had received an email from Dubai authorities on 12 June confirming the arrest. He also said Interpol had issued a Red Notice against Benazir in 2025, requesting the UAE authorities to arrest him.
Benazir served as inspector general of police from 15 April 2020 to 30 September 2022. Before that, he also held the posts of Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner and director general of the Rapid Action Battalion.
On 10 December 2021, the United States imposed sanctions on seven then-current and former RAB officials over allegations of human rights violations. Benazir was among those named.
The Anti-Corruption Commission began investigating allegations of widespread irregularities and corruption against Benazir a few months before the Awami League was ousted from power in the 2024 July Uprising.
He left the country with his family on 4 May that year while the investigation was underway.
Multiple cases were filed against him and courts issued arrest warrants in connection with the charges.
