ACC Requests Foreign Ministry to Repatriate Disgraced Ex-IGP Benazir Ahmed

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Tuesday formally requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, to initiate the repatriation process for former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed. The move follows his arrest in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), on June 12.

According to ACC officials, the Foreign Ministry will utilize diplomatic channels to formally convey the extradition request to the UAE authorities. The disgraced former police chief faces six high-profile corruption cases, including illegal wealth accumulation, money laundering, and passport forgery.

The anti-graft watchdog has been compiling the necessary legal documents for his repatriation since his arrest last week. The ACC has already submitted a charge sheet against him in a case involving the acquisition of assets beyond known sources of income. Ongoing investigations have uncovered a massive empire of illicit wealth owned by Benazir and his family, including approximately 345 bighas (around 114 acres) of land spread across Dhaka, Gazipur, Narayanganj, Gopalganj, Madaripur, and Bandarban, alongside a luxury flat in Dubai, which has already been attached.

Benazir Ahmed had been on the run since the massive corruption scandal unfolded, prompting Interpol to issue a 'Red Notice' against him on April 10, 2025. Bangladeshi authorities are now working to expedite the legal formalities to bring the former law enforcement chief back to the country to face trial.