Reports claimed that Benazir had travelled to Saint Lucia after being released from custody in Dubai

Staff Reporter:

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

The National Central Bureau (NCB) of the Police Headquarters sent an email to Interpol on Wednesday (2 September), seeking information about Benazir’s current location.

The move came after media 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, “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 published in the media.”

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

Citing sources, the reports further said Benazir was granted bail by a Dubai court on 27 July.

He was released from custody on 30 July after the completion of legal procedures. Before that, both sides presented arguments before the Dubai court regarding extradition documents sent by the Bangladesh government and the related legal process. Following the hearings, the court 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 news of his bail and release from the Dubai court, the Home Ministry reportedly took steps to contact the Dubai police. However, sources said no positive response was received.