The arrest of former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed in Dubai, UAE on June 12 marks a major breakthrough in the effort to hold him accountable for the grave crimes he allegedly committed while in office. As one of the most loyal enforcers and key enablers of the Awami League regime, Benazir allegedly used his unchecked authority to amass illicit wealth and commit serious human rights abuses. His arrest following an Interpol Red Notice is, therefore, welcome news. The home minister has described it as a historic success and a milestone for the rule of law. These words must now be matched by action.
Benazir faces multiple corruption charges. According to the ACC, he allegedly concealed assets worth Tk 2.62 crore and acquired another Tk 9.44 crore from sources beyond his known income. During his rise through the police ranks—from Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner to Rab chief and eventually IGP—serious allegations of human rights abuses repeatedly surfaced. In 2021, the US imposed sanctions on Rab and several of its officials, including Benazir, over these allegations.
He is now facing trial before the International Crimes Tribunal in cases involving crimes against humanity, including enforced disappearances, torture, and the 2013 Shapla Chattar crackdown. The Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances has reportedly linked him to at least 95 disappearance cases during his time as Rab chief. This daily’s 2024 investigation also found that hundreds of Hindu families in Gopalganj and Madaripur were allegedly forced to sell their ancestral land to him at far below the market value. The ACC further found that Benazir and his family acquired over 613 bighas of land, much of it previously owned by minority communities. Despite the seriousness of these allegations, he has remained beyond accountability.
While his arrest is good news, the bigger challenge lies ahead. The government has a limited window to submit a formal extradition request, and the authorities must act with urgency. Any delay, procedural weakness, or poor coordination may delay or complicate his return. Given Benazir’s resources, influence, and knowledge of legal procedures, it would be naive to assume that his extradition will be easy. The government must use all legal and diplomatic channels to bring him back. This is a crucial test of the government’s commitment to ending the culture of impunity that allowed powerful officials to operate above the law for years. Benazir Ahmed must be extradited without delay and made to face justice at home.
