Bangladesh Police Seek Interpol Help to Trace Ex-IGP Benazir

Bangladesh Police has sought information from Interpol on the whereabouts of former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, who has faced various allegations.

The National Central Bureau (NCB) of Police Headquarters sent an email to Interpol on Wednesday, seeking information about Benazir’s current location.

The move came after reports claimed that Benazir, an accused in a crimes against humanity case, had travelled to the Caribbean island nation of Saint Lucia after being released from custody in Dubai.

Additional Inspector General of Police (Crime and Operations) Khandaker Rafiqul Islam said the police had contacted Interpol to verify Benazir’s whereabouts and the accuracy of the reports.

“An email was sent to Interpol on Wednesday seeking information about the whereabouts of former IGP Benazir. We also need to verify the accuracy of the reports,” he said.

According to the reports, Benazir travelled from Dubai to Saint Lucia on 17 August after his release from custody. The reports also claimed that he holds a Saint Lucian passport and has joint investments there, including an apartment in the Gros Islet area.

Sources cited in the reports said Benazir was granted bail by a Dubai court on 27 July and was released on 30 July after completing the necessary legal procedures.

Before the decision, both sides presented arguments before the Dubai court regarding extradition documents sent by the Bangladesh government and the related legal process. The court subsequently granted him conditional bail.

Sources also claimed that several Awami League leaders based in Europe lobbied through various channels in Dubai to secure Benazir’s bail.

After Bangladesh received information about his bail and release, the Home Ministry reportedly took steps to contact Dubai police. However, sources said no positive response was received.