The terms “Interpol” and “Red Notice” often evoke images of international manhunts seen in Hollywood films. In reality, however, Interpol has no police force, no arrest powers and no authority to detain suspects.
A Red Notice is not an international arrest warrant. Rather, it is a request to law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and provisionally detain a person wanted for prosecution or to serve a sentence.
Despite carrying Red Notices, many fugitives continue to live abroad for years—running businesses, maintaining social media profiles and, in some cases, living openly in countries where extradition remains difficult.
The issue has drawn renewed attention following reports that former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed was arrested in Dubai in connection with a case filed by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
What is a Red Notice?
Interpol, which consists of 195 member countries, facilitates information sharing and cooperation among law enforcement agencies worldwide.
According to Interpol, a Red Notice is a request to locate and provisionally arrest an individual pending extradition or similar legal action. Whether a person is arrested depends entirely on the laws of the country where they are located.
As a result, a Red Notice alone does not guarantee arrest or extradition.
Bangladesh and Red Notices
The exact number of Bangladeshis currently subject to Red Notices is not publicly available, as most notices remain restricted to law enforcement agencies.
Interpol’s public database currently lists 59 Bangladeshi nationals under Red Notices.
Among them are individuals accused or convicted in cases involving murder, terrorism, human trafficking, fraud, counterfeiting, international smuggling and crimes against humanity.
The list includes police officer murder case accused Rabiul Islam alias Arav Khan; August 21 grenade attack convicts Ratul Ahmed Babu and Maulana Tajuddin Ahmed; and several convicted fugitives in the Bangabandhu assassination case, including Nur Chowdhury, Col Khandaker Abdur Rashid, Shariful Haque Dalim, Mosleh Uddin Khan and Rashed Chowdhury.
It also includes several alleged human traffickers, organized crime suspects and fugitives in financial crime cases.
New requests after political changes
Following the political transition of August 2024, Bangladeshi authorities sought Red Notices against a number of high-profile figures.
The ACC sought a Red Notice against former IGP Benazir Ahmed, while the National Central Bureau (NCB) of Bangladesh Police applied for notices against 12 individuals, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
The prosecution of the International Crimes Tribunal also initiated efforts to seek Red Notices against several former ministers and political figures.
However, police sources say that although the NCB applied for notices against at least 28 individuals during the interim government period, Interpol approved only a small number.
One reason is Article 3 of Interpol’s constitution, which prohibits the organization from intervening in matters of a political, military, religious or racial character.
As a result, politically sensitive requests often undergo extensive scrutiny.
How do fugitives remain free?
Legal experts say there are several reasons why individuals subject to Red Notices may continue to live abroad.
First, many countries do not treat a Red Notice as sufficient legal grounds for immediate arrest.
Second, individuals granted political asylum or refugee status are often protected from extradition.
Third, Bangladesh lacks extradition treaties with several countries where wanted individuals may reside.
In addition, border control systems, intelligence-sharing mechanisms and local legal procedures vary significantly from country to country.
As a result, even when a fugitive’s location is known, bringing them back can be a lengthy and complicated process.
Building a life on the run
Law enforcement officials say long-term fugitives often establish what investigators describe as a “shadow life.”
Some acquire residency or citizenship through investment programs offered by foreign countries. Others relocate to jurisdictions without extradition agreements.
Many use offshore companies, complex financial structures and cryptocurrencies to conceal assets and avoid scrutiny.
Some also adopt alternative identities or use forged documents to move across borders.
The role of geopolitics
Extradition cases are often influenced by more than legal considerations.
A fugitive may argue that criminal charges are politically motivated and seek asylum on that basis. If the host country accepts that claim, extradition becomes significantly more difficult.
Diplomatic relations between countries can also affect the outcome of extradition requests.
In some cases, fugitives become entangled in broader geopolitical considerations that complicate legal proceedings.
What happens after arrest?
The reported arrest of Benazir Ahmed has sparked discussion about whether Bangladesh can secure his return.
Legal experts note that arrest and extradition are separate processes.
Senior Supreme Court lawyer Mohammad Shishir Monir said successful extradition depends on the strength of the evidence, proper legal documentation and effective diplomatic engagement.
Ultimately, the decision rests with the courts and authorities of the country where the suspect is detained.
More than a symbolic warning
While some fugitives may appear to live comfortably abroad, a Red Notice can have significant long-term consequences.
It may affect international travel, visa applications, banking services, business activities and immigration status.
Modern biometric systems, facial recognition technology and international databases have also increased the risks for wanted individuals crossing borders.
In the end, the effectiveness of a Red Notice often depends not only on the person being sought, but also on the legal systems, diplomatic relationships and political realities of the countries involved.
For many fugitives, freedom remains conditional—and can end unexpectedly at an airport, border crossing or routine immigration check.