ICT issues arrest warrants against ex-IGP Benazir

 
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has issued three arrest warrants against former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam said on Monday.

He made the disclosure while speaking to journalists at the seminar room of the tribunal.

According to the Chief Prosecutor, Benazir Ahmed is currently under arrest in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He said that if he is brought back to Bangladesh, he will be produced before the ICT.

Aminul Islam said the prosecution would seek his remand in connection with allegations of murder and torture linked to the crackdown on Hefazat-e-Islam leaders and activists at Shapla Chattar on May 5, 2013.

He said the allegations relate to the operation conducted in Dhaka’s Motijheel area, where Hefazat-e-Islam leaders and activists had gathered.

The Chief Prosecutor further alleged that Benazir Ahmed played a central role in the operation.
“Benazir Ahmed is not only the mastermind of Shapla Chattar. We once knew that he was running the whole of Bangladesh,” he said.
The Chief Prosecutor did not provide further details on the three arrest warrants during the briefing.

Benazir Ahmed, a former police chief, is already facing several cases in Bangladesh, including corruption-related charges.

The development comes amid reports of his detention in Dubai. Authorities are expected to take legal steps if he is repatriated to Bangladesh.