Law firm in UAE hired to seek cancellation of ex-IGP Benazir’s bail: Home minister
Benazir got conditional bail on 27 July and was released on 30 July, according to media reports.
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 in Dubai, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said today (2 August).
"We've 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 home minister said the government had contacted the Bangladesh ambassador in the UAE and was trying to obtain a certified copy of the court order. "We hope to bring him back to the country quickly through the legal process," he added.
According to media reports, a Dubai court granted Benazir conditional bail on 27 July. He was reportedly released on 30 July after completing the required legal formalities.
A source familiar with the proceedings told The Business Standard that the court imposed several conditions on Benazir's release.
"His passport will remain in the custody of the court and he won't be allowed to leave the UAE without permission. Although he has been released on bail, restrictions on his travel remain in force," the source said.
According to sources familiar with the proceedings, the court heard arguments from both sides on the extradition documents submitted by the Bangladesh government and the related legal procedures before granting Benazir conditional bail.
However, the Dubai authorities have not issued any official statement regarding the matter.
'No negligence from ACC'
Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Director General (Special Investigation) Mir Mohammad Zainul Abedin Shibli today rejected allegations that the commission had been negligent in the process of bringing Benazir back to Bangladesh.
"Like you, we also came to know about the matter through media reports. Whatever legal steps are necessary in light of this development will be taken by the relevant authorities," he said.
Shibli said the ACC had completed all procedures within its jurisdiction, including sending a Mutual Legal Assistance Request (MLAR) through the Ministry of Home Affairs after coordinating with the home and foreign ministries.
"When legal steps involve cross-border inquiries, the home ministry acts as the central authority. It forwards the request through the foreign ministry to the relevant country," he said.
He added, "We have done everything required from our end. We will jointly examine the legal aspects and determine the next course of action."
Hopeful of Benazir's return soon: Shama Obaed
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said the government remains in contact with the UAE authorities and expressed hope that Benazir would be returned to Bangladesh soon.
"Communication between the two sides is underway and the required documents have been exchanged. They wanted some specific information, which was provided accordingly," she told reporters after attending a programme in the capital, UNB reports.
She said the UAE authorities were proceeding in accordance with their domestic laws, while Bangladesh would pursue the next steps through due legal process.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir declined to comment on reports of Benazir's release, saying it would be inappropriate to comment on the former police chief's legal status before receiving full information.
He said the home ministry had initiated the process of bringing Benazir back from the UAE and discussions were continuing.
Benazir was arrested by UAE police in connection with a case filed by the ACC. On 14 June, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed informed parliament that the Bangladesh government had been notified of the arrest by the UAE authorities on 12 June.
