The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has told the Bangladesh government that former inspector general of police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed will not be permitted to leave Dubai for any other country, according to senior officials at the home ministry.

The assurance from the Gulf state came in response to media reports suggesting that the much-discussed former police chief had left Dubai for Saint Lucia.

A senior home ministry official, however, said the government has little interest in promptly extraditing Benazir until a verdict is delivered in at least one of the ongoing cases against him in Bangladesh, bdnews24.com reports.

Addressing the media reports on his alleged departure to a third country, another senior ministry official said the matter was verified with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Bangladesh embassy.

The UAE authorities did not officially confirm any departure.

Amid these discussions, Additional Home Secretary (Political and Immigration Wings) Ziauddin Ahmed confirmed Benazir's presence in Dubai.

Speaking to bdnews24.com, he said that Benazir -- who was arrested a few months ago and imprisoned in the UAE -- was later released on bail.

The UAE government subsequently assured Bangladesh that he would be prevented from travelling onward to any other nation.

Speaking in parliament a few days ago, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said if Benazir is officially located in another country, measures will be taken to arrest and extradite him under local laws, mutual legal assistance principles, and international legal frameworks.

Ziauddin disclosed that a legal panel has been appointed in Dubai to monitor the case, adding: "We are keeping a close eye on his situation."