Government Initiates Formal Process to Repatriate Former IGP Benazir Ahmed

The Bangladeshi government has initiated the formal process to repatriate former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, according to Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday, Kabir confirmed that the Ministry of Home Affairs is overseeing the necessary legal procedures, with further updates to be provided as the situation progresses.

The status of the former police chief, who faces multiple corruption charges and outstanding arrest warrants in Bangladesh, remains a subject of international coordination. While reports emerged in June that Ahmed had been apprehended in Dubai—reportedly with the assistance of Interpol following an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC)—Kabir noted he had no immediate confirmation regarding the current status of Ahmed’s bail or legal standing in the United Arab Emirates.

Ahmed served as the IGP from April 2020 to September 2022, following high-profile tenures as the commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police and the director general of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). His career was marked by controversy, including U.S.-imposed sanctions in 2021 regarding alleged human rights violations. He departed the country shortly before the Anti-Corruption Commission launched a formal inquiry into his assets earlier this year, preceding the political upheaval that ultimately led to the fall of the Awami League government.

During the same briefing, Adviser Kabir addressed the strengthening of diplomatic ties between Dhaka and Washington, characterizing the recent visit of U.S. presidential envoy Sergio Gor as a pivotal step toward deepening bilateral cooperation. Kabir highlighted that discussions held with both the Foreign Minister and the interim government’s leadership were conducted in a cordial atmosphere, covering trade, investment, technology, and geopolitical collaboration. He emphasized that the U.S. administration views Bangladesh as an essential partner in its strategy for sustainable economic growth within the Asia-Pacific region.

Addressing broader foreign policy shifts, the adviser clarified Bangladesh’s participation in a Saudi Arabia-led defense coalition. He characterized the move as a strategic expansion of ties with Riyadh that transcends traditional religious connections, such as Hajj and Umrah. Kabir explicitly stated that this alignment is intended to counter regional security threats and is not directed against Iran, with whom Bangladesh continues to maintain an open dialogue.

Responding to inquiries regarding potential friction over Chinese investments in Bangladesh, Kabir dismissed reports of U.S. opposition, affirming that the government is committed to maintaining a balanced economic policy. He noted that Dhaka welcomes investment from all global partners, including the United States, Western nations, and China, to bolster its economic trajectory. Regarding the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the adviser stated that the topic was not part of the bilateral discussions, labeling the subject as currently irrelevant to the administration’s priorities.