Collage. BSS

SANGSAD BHABAN, June 14, 2026 (BSS) - Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today said in parliament that former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, who is facing multiple corruption cases in Bangladesh, has been arrested by the authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and would be brought back to the country soon through the formal extradition process.

"I am informing this august parliament and the entire nation that former IGP Benazir Ahmed, who is accused in corruption cases, has been arrested by the police authorities of the United Arab Emirates and is currently being held in custody there," he said, making a statement under Rule 300 of the Rules of Procedure at the beginning of the day's proceedings in the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) today.

According to information provided by NCB Abu Dhabi, he said, the arrest was made in compliance with international legal procedures following the Interpol notice.

The Home Minister described the arrest as a "historic success" of Bangladesh Police and said the development would help the country emerge from the longstanding culture of impunity and lawlessness.

"This is a historic success of Bangladesh Police. Through this achievement, we will be able to come out of the culture of impunity and lawlessness," he told the House amid desk thumping by the lawmakers across the board.

The minister said the government, after assuming office, had taken determined steps to ensure that Benazir Ahmed, accused in corruption cases, could not evade justice despite remaining abroad.

"After the current government assumed office, the National Central Bureau (NCB) Dhaka under Police Headquarters was assigned to work closely with Interpol to secure the arrest of former IGP Benazir Ahmed, who is accused in corruption cases," he said.

He informed Parliament that NCB Dhaka formally requested Interpol on April 11, 2025, to issue a Red Notice against Benazir Ahmed. Following extensive coordination, Interpol issued the Red Notice and requested the UAE Ministry of Interior to take necessary action for his arrest.

The Home Minister said Bangladesh received official confirmation of the arrest on June 12, 2026, through an email sent by the Directorate General of Federal Criminal Police, National Central Bureau (NCB) Abu Dhabi.

He further said UAE authorities had informed Bangladesh that under the UAE Federal Law No. 39 of 2006, a formal extradition request must be submitted through diplomatic channels within 30 days from the date of arrest.

He said Benazir Ahmed is facing a number of criminal proceedings in Bangladesh under sections 420, 467, 468 and 471 of the Penal Code, relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947, and Section 11 of the Bangladesh Passport Order, 1973.

The Home Minister said all relevant government agencies were already working in close coordination to complete the legal and diplomatic formalities required for his return.

He noted that NCB Dhaka had successfully completed a series of complex international coordination activities, including obtaining the Interpol Red Notice, maintaining communication with foreign authorities, and carrying out follow-up actions after the arrest.

"The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is preparing all necessary case records, arrest warrants and investigation documents required for extradition. The Ministry of Home Affairs will prepare and approve the extradition proposal, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will transmit the formal request to the UAE authorities through diplomatic channels," he said.

"Through close coordination with NCB Abu Dhabi and the relevant authorities of the UAE, we will bring him back to Bangladesh as quickly as possible," he added.

The minister said the arrest sends a strong message that no individual, regardless of status, position or influence, would be allowed to remain beyond the reach of the law.

"We want to assure the nation that no criminal is above the law, no matter how powerful he or she may be. This action demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring accountability and justice," he said.

Describing the development as a landmark achievement for the country's law enforcement agencies, Salahuddin Ahmed said the arrest would strengthen public confidence in the justice system.

"This will remain a historic milestone in establishing the rule of law in Bangladesh. It proves that those accused of serious crimes and corruption cannot escape justice simply by leaving the country," he said.

The Home Minister said the government's determination to pursue the case internationally reflects its broader commitment to combating corruption, strengthening institutions and ensuring equal application of the law.

In a separate statement under Rule 300, the Home Minister also briefed the parliament on the reported disappearance of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir central leader Mohammad Jisan Mia Pradhan, saying police investigations had revealed that the matter was unrelated to any enforced disappearance or government action.

He said a General Diary (GD) was lodged at Daudkandi Model Police Station in Cumilla on June 12 after Jisan was reported missing. Following the complaint, multiple police teams launched an investigation and search operation.

According to findings presented by the minister, Jisan had developed a relationship with a woman through Facebook several months ago and allegedly promised to marry her. Police investigations found that he had physical relations with the woman on multiple occasions, resulting in her pregnancy.

The Home Minister said investigators learned that Jisan subsequently pressured the woman to terminate the pregnancy and allegedly arranged abortion medication through associates.

When the woman later demanded marriage, Jisan reportedly agreed to marry her on June 12. However, according to the investigation, he went into hiding on June 11 and a missing diary was subsequently filed on his behalf.

Police later located and recovered him from Laksham in Cumilla district.

The minister said the woman subsequently filed a case against Jisan and three others on several allegations, including rape, abetment of rape, criminal intimidation and causing miscarriage. The co-accused were arrested and later gave confessional statements before a magistrate under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

The investigation into the case is continuing, he said.

The Home Minister said that as some social media accounts had attempted to portray the disappearance differently and blame the government, it was necessary to place the verified facts before Parliament and the nation.