Former Bangladesh Police Chief Benazir Ahmed Released on Bail from Dubai Jail

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Bangladesh, Benazir Ahmed, has been released on bail from a jail in Dubai, according to family sources, who say he is now attempting to travel to a European country.

The family claims that Ahmed was released last Thursday after completing legal formalities. Earlier, on July 27, a court in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reportedly granted his bail application.

However, under the court's conditions, Ahmed is not permitted to leave Dubai, and his passport remains in the custody of the authorities.

Officials at Bangladesh Police's National Central Bureau (NCB), the country's Interpol liaison office, said they have not received any official confirmation regarding his release. Bangladesh Police Headquarters has also not issued any formal statement on the matter.

According to sources familiar with the proceedings, the Dubai court heard arguments from both sides regarding Bangladesh's extradition request and related legal documentation before granting Ahmed conditional bail.

Benazir Ahmed was arrested in Dubai in connection with a corruption case filed by Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The arrest was carried out by Dubai Police with assistance from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol). Dubai Police informed Bangladeshi authorities of the arrest through an official communication dated June 12.

The ACC is investigating Ahmed over multiple allegations, including the accumulation of illegal wealth and money laundering. The investigation has led to legal action against him both in Bangladesh and internationally.

Benazir Ahmed served as Bangladesh's Inspector General of Police from April 15, 2020, to September 30, 2022. Before becoming police chief, he served as Commissioner of the 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 alleged human rights violations, with Benazir Ahmed among those designated.

Corruption allegations against Ahmed became public in 2024, prompting an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission before the fall of the Awami League government. Following the emergence of the allegations, he left Bangladesh. Multiple criminal cases were later filed against him, and Bangladeshi courts subsequently issued arrest warrants.