The arrest of former inspector general of police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed in the United Arab Emirates has shifted attention to the next crucial question: how and when can Bangladesh bring him back to face the cases pending against him?
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told parliament on Sunday that Benazir was arrested by UAE authorities on June 12 following an Interpol Red Notice and is currently in custody in Dubai.
According to the minister, Bangladesh was formally informed of the arrest through an email sent by the National Central Bureau (NCB) Abu Dhabi under the UAE Ministry of Interior.
Benazir, once one of Bangladesh's most powerful law enforcement officials, served as director general of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) from January 2015 to April 2020 and as inspector general of police from April 2020 to September 2022.
He is currently facing multiple corruption and related criminal cases filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
The key issue now is extradition.
According to the home minister, UAE authorities have informed Bangladesh that under UAE Federal Law No 39 of 2006, a formal extradition request must be submitted through diplomatic channels within 30 days of the arrest.
Officials say the process will involve several steps.
First, Bangladesh authorities must compile and authenticate all relevant legal documents, including arrest warrants, charge sheets, court orders and details of the criminal cases pending against Benazir.
The ACC has already prepared the necessary case-related documents, while the Ministry of Home Affairs is processing the extradition proposal.
Once approved, the extradition request will be sent to the UAE government through diplomatic channels by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Bangladesh Police's National Central Bureau, which coordinates with Interpol, will work closely with NCB Abu Dhabi throughout the process.
The home minister told parliament that NCB Dhaka has already completed international coordination and follow-up activities related to the Interpol notice.
He expressed hope that Benazir would be brought back to Bangladesh soon.
Benazir is facing proceedings under several sections of the Penal Code, including allegations related to fraud and forgery, as well as provisions of anti-corruption laws and the Bangladesh Passport Order, according to the government.