Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told parliament there is no official confirmation that former police chief Benazir Ahmed has travelled to Saint Lucia.
“Although reports have appeared in the media, no state or relevant authority has so far officially confirmed his location. Therefore, it would not be appropriate to reach a final conclusion about his whereabouts solely on the basis of media reports,” the minister said.
If a foreign authority confirms the suspect’s presence, the government will seek his arrest, extradition or other legal measures under that country’s laws, existing treaties or the principle of reciprocity, and within applicable international frameworks.
The statement came in response to a parliamentary motion asking for details of the government’s efforts to bring the former IGP back to Bangladesh.
Extradition focus shifts to United Arab Emirates
The minister said Bangladesh has not delayed its pursuit. Because there is no bilateral extradition treaty with the UAE, officials are proceeding under UAE law and the principle of reciprocity.
An Interpol Red Notice has been issued against the former chief.
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The National Central Bureau in Abu Dhabi formally informed the Dhaka bureau of the arrest on 12 June 2026. Bangladesh sent a formal request on 16 June, copying the Abu Dhabi bureau the same day.
On 8 July, the UAE Ministry of Justice asked for additional documentation, including assurances on reciprocity and certified arrest warrants. Supporting papers were forwarded on 4 August.
The central authority in the UAE sought further legal clarification on 22 August, asking about limitation periods for prosecution and sentence expiry. Bangladesh must answer by 22 September.
The Law and Justice Division gave its opinion on 1 September, and the Anti‑Corruption Commission followed on 2 September. A consolidated response is being authenticated, translated into Arabic and will be sent within the deadline.
While the lack of a treaty complicates matters, it also forces the two governments to negotiate procedural safeguards on a case‑by‑case basis. That reality can slow the process, but it also creates a framework for future cooperation.
Legal firm hired to handle UAE proceedings
Bangladesh appointed Hamdan Al Kabir Advocates & Legal Consultancy on 30 July through its embassy in Abu Dhabi to provide legal assistance for the extradition and related matters.
The firm’s mandate includes preparing documents, liaising with UAE officials and ensuring compliance with both jurisdictions’ requirements.
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Parliamentary scrutiny and asset recovery efforts
Dhaka‑14 MP Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem moved a motion under Rule 147(1), citing media reports that the former chief was arrested in Dubai, secured bail and allegedly travelled to Saint Lucia. He also raised concerns about alleged passport fraud involving six countries and the need to recover assets.
Minister Salahuddin Ahmed reiterated that travel to Saint Lucia has not been officially confirmed.
The Anti‑Corruption Commission has filed separate cases alleging passport fraud across six nations, naming senior immigration officials as co‑accused. Those investigations remain ongoing.
Bangladesh has sent Mutual Legal Assistance Requests to the relevant jurisdictions. Once evidence is received, authorities will act under domestic law, court orders and international cooperation mechanisms to freeze, seize, confiscate or repatriate the assets.
The minister clarified that bail does not end the extradition process. “Extradition is a legal and judicial process, and it takes time to complete its various stages,” he said, adding that bail should not be read as government inaction.
After roughly ninety minutes of debate, ten lawmakers from both the treasury and opposition benches spoke. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad urged the home ministry to inform parliament promptly about steps to bring the former chief back. The motion was passed by voice vote.