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Extradition of ex-IGP Benazir is no easy process: Home Minister
Published : Tuesday, 10 November, 2026 at 8:22 PM
Observer Online Report
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has told parliament that bringing former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed back to Bangladesh to face trial is a lengthy and complex process, involving judicial, diplomatic and legal procedures in the concerned country.
He clarified that the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice or the arrest of an accused person abroad does not automatically lead to extradition, as the process requires compliance with the laws, judicial procedures and diplomatic obligations of the concerned country.
The minister made the remarks on Tuesday (November 10) while responding to a motion adopted under Rule 147 of the Rules of Procedure during the fourth session of the 13th Parliament.
Salahuddin said that following the issuance of an arrest warrant against Benazir Ahmed by a competent court in Bangladesh, the relevant investigating agency requested Interpol to issue a Red Notice after examining the necessary documents. Consequently, Interpol issued a Red Notice against him on April 11, 2025.
On June 12, the National Central Bureau (NCB) Abu Dhabi formally informed NCB Dhaka that Benazir Ahmed had been arrested in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). At the same time, Bangladesh was asked to submit a formal extradition request through diplomatic channels within 30 days, in accordance with Article 11 of the UAE's Federal Law No. 39 of 2006.
However, without waiting for the deadline, the Bangladesh government submitted a formal extradition request to the UAE's Central Authority through diplomatic channels just four days later, on June 16. A copy of the request was also sent to NCB Abu Dhabi on the same day for coordination.
The home minister said that any decision taken by the competent judicial authorities of the requesting country, whether Dubai or Abu Dhabi, under its domestic laws and judicial procedures does not automatically mean that Bangladesh's extradition request has been withdrawn, rejected or concluded.
He explained that extradition is primarily a judicial and state-level process, under which the requesting country's Central Authority and courts examine the extradition request, nature of the offence, arrest warrant, evidence and other legal requirements before reaching a decision.
Salahuddin further said that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had sent Mutual Legal Assistance Requests (MLARs) to the concerned countries regarding assets held abroad by Benazir Ahmed and his family members.
Upon receiving the necessary records and evidence, further legal measures will be taken to freeze, seize, confiscate or recover the assets in accordance with applicable laws, court orders and international legal assistance frameworks, he added.
The minister also told parliament that securing bail does not mean the termination of extradition proceedings. Similarly, the need to complete several legal and judicial procedures before extradition cannot be considered government inaction or failure.
He said the Bangladesh government had submitted the extradition request within the stipulated timeframe, provided additional documents as requested by the UAE, appointed local lawyers and continued regular inquiries and coordination regarding Benazir's whereabouts and movements.
Salahuddin said the government remained fully committed to the rule of law, due judicial process and international cooperation. He added that all possible legal, diplomatic and international police measures would continue to bring Benazir Ahmed back to Bangladesh, based on verified official information and with due respect for the sovereignty and domestic laws of the concerned country.
- MaT
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, 01550707296
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]. [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], Online-email: [email protected]
