State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam -File photo

DHAKA, Aug 2, 2026 (BSS) – State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today said the government is maintaining close communication with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities and expressed optimism that former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed would be brought back to Bangladesh soon.

Speaking to reporters after attending a programme in the capital, the state minister said the two countries have exchanged the necessary documents as part of the ongoing process.

“Communication between the two sides is underway and the required documents have been exchanged. They (the UAE) wanted some specific information, which was provided accordingly,” she said.

Shama said the UAE authorities are proceeding in line with their domestic laws, while Bangladesh will take the next steps through due legal process.

Earlier, she addressed the inaugural programme of the National Action Plan (NAP) 2026-2030 for implementing the objectives of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), where Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury attended as the chief guest.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir said the government has initiated the process of bringing back Benazir Ahmed from the UAE.

Responding to a question of a journalist at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding media reports that the former police chief had been released on bail in the UAE, the adviser said the Home Ministry had already begun the required procedures and discussions were continuing.

“If there is progress, you will be informed by the Home Ministry or our Foreign Ministry. You will get an update from the Home Ministry,” he said, adding that it would not be appropriate to comment further without complete information.

The former IGP was arrested in Dubai by UAE authorities in connection with a case filed by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Interpol issued a red notice against the Bangladesh former police chief in April 2025.

The migration event also featured a debriefing on the outcomes of the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) 2026, highlighting Bangladesh’s contributions and leadership in advancing the global migration agenda.

The NAP 2026-2030 was developed jointly by the Bangladesh government and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) with support from the European Union under the EU-funded Prottasha II project.