Former Inspector General of Bangladesh Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed has been released on conditional bail from Dubai prison in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As per the court orders, his passport will be in the custody of the court and he will not be able to leave the UAE without the court's permission.
It is known that last Monday (July 27) a court in Dubai granted the bail application of Benazir Ahmed. He was released from prison on Thursday (July 30) after completing the necessary legal process.
Benazir Ahmed told a private media of the country after his release that he was released on bail through the legal process and is physically healthy. However, he did not agree to comment in detail on the further legal proceedings of the case.
According to the sources concerned, the court has imposed some conditions in the matter of bail. Most importantly, Benazir Ahmed's passport will remain in the custody of the court and she will not be able to leave the UAE without the court's prior permission. During the judicial process of the case he has to follow the directions of the court.
Meanwhile, it is reported that the hearing of both sides was held in the Dubai court regarding the extradition documents sent by the Bangladesh government and the related legal issues. After the hearing, the court decided to grant him conditional bail. However, the Dubai authorities have not made any official statement on this matter so far. Similarly, Bangladesh Police Headquarters also refused to comment on the matter.
Earlier, Benazir Ahmed was arrested in Dubai in view of a case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). He was arrested with the help of Dubai Police and international police agency Interpol. On June 12, Dubai Police informed the Bangladesh authorities about this through a letter.
In the cases filed by the ACC, various charges have been brought against Benazir Ahmed including acquisition of illegal assets, money laundering. As part of the investigation into these allegations, legal action was taken against him at the international level.
Benazir Ahmed served as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Bangladesh from 15 April 2020 to 30 September 2022. Prior to this, he served as Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and Director General of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
In December 2021, the United States imposed sanctions on some current and former RAB officials for alleged human rights violations. Benazir Ahmed's name was also in that list.
In 2024, when allegations of corruption against him came to light, the Anti-Corruption Commission started an investigation. He left the country after the allegations. After that several cases were registered against him and the court also issued an arrest warrant against him.
It should be noted that the judicial process of the charges brought against Benazir Ahmed is still ongoing. These allegations are not legally proven before the final judgment of the court.
