Dhaka, Jun 20 (V7N) – Bangladesh has formally requested the extradition of former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following his detention in Dubai, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Saturday.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Secretariat, the Home Minister said the government had sent a 144-page case dossier, along with an official extradition request, to the UAE immediately after Benazir's detention in Dubai.
He expressed hope that the UAE authorities would complete the necessary legal procedures and return Benazir to Bangladesh to face trial.
The minister said six criminal cases are currently pending against the former police chief. One case has reached the witness testimony stage, while the remaining cases are still under investigation. He added that a formal review meeting on the progress of the investigations is scheduled for Sunday.
Although Bangladesh does not have an extradition treaty with the UAE, the government has sought cooperation through a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) Request, the minister said, adding that the Home Ministry is handling the matter differently from previous administrations.
Addressing law and order, Salahuddin Ahmed described Mohammadpur as a "sanctuary for criminals," saying it would not be possible to eliminate criminal activities in the area overnight. However, he said the government has prepared a separate strategy to tackle crime there.
The Home Minister also said the government would maintain a strict stance against misconduct within the police force.
"We are strict in suppressing wrongdoing while encouraging good work. Police personnel found negligent in duty or involved in corruption will face punishment, while those performing well will be rewarded," he said.
He further alleged that a banned political organisation was planning to create unrest in the country ahead of June 23, prompting the authorities to issue a nationwide security alert.
"They are not a political party; they are a mafia organisation," the minister said.
Benazir Ahmed was detained in Dubai on June 12 following the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice. A day later, the Home Minister informed Parliament that Bangladesh had already sent the charge sheet, case statements and extradition request to the UAE. Under UAE law, the country's courts will determine whether Benazir can be extradited, and he retains the right to challenge or appeal any such order.
According to court orders in Bangladesh, authorities have seized 621 bighas of land, a farm, four luxury apartments covering 9,192 square feet in Gulshan, and the Savannah Eco Resort in Gopalganj linked to Benazir.
Authorities in the United States have also seized two luxury homes reportedly owned by him on Lake Avenue and Lake Street in New York. In addition, court orders have frozen his bank accounts and financial assets in the United States and Malaysia.
The Home Minister added that alleged investments by Benazir in Dubai, including interests in real estate and the hotel sector, are currently under international investigation.
END/SMA/AJ
