Ex-IGP Benazir Ahmed released from Dubai jail on conditional bail

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed has been released on conditional bail from a Dubai jail. According to his family sources, he is now trying to travel to a European country after his release. However, under the court’s conditions, he is not allowed to leave Dubai, and his passport remains in the custody of the authorities.

Family sources claimed that he was released on Thursday (July 30) after completing legal procedures. Earlier, on July 27, a court in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) granted his bail petition.

Meanwhile, officials from the National Central Bureau (NCB) of the Bangladesh Police’s Interpol branch said they have no official information regarding his release. The Police Headquarters has also not issued any formal statement on the matter.

Sources familiar with the case said hearings were held at a Dubai court regarding extradition documents sent by the Bangladesh government and related legal procedures. Following the hearing, the court granted him conditional bail.

Benazir Ahmed was arrested in Dubai in connection with a case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The arrest operation was carried out with the assistance of Dubai Police and cooperation from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol). Dubai Police informed Bangladeshi authorities about the arrest through a letter on June 12.

The ACC is investigating multiple allegations against Benazir Ahmed, including illegal acquisition of wealth and money laundering. Legal action has also been initiated against him internationally as part of the investigation.

Benazir Ahmed served as Bangladesh’s Inspector General of Police from April 15, 2020, to September 30, 2022. Before that, he served as Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police and Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).

In December 2021, the United States imposed sanctions on several current and former RAB officials over allegations of human rights violations, and Benazir Ahmed was among those named on the list.

In 2024, corruption allegations against him surfaced before the fall of the Awami League government, prompting the ACC to launch an investigation. He left the country after the allegations emerged. Later, several cases were filed against him, and arrest warrants were issued by courts.