No Official Information on Benazir's Release, No Negligence by ACC: Official

Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has said it has not received any official information regarding the reported release of former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The commission also rejected allegations of negligence in its efforts to bring him back to Bangladesh.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, ACC Director General Mir Md. Zaynul Abedin Shibly said the commission learned about Benazir's reported release through media reports. "The ACC will take all necessary legal steps in accordance with the law," he said.

Earlier in the day, newly appointed ACC Secretary Md. Saidur Rahman Khan said corruption must be eliminated to ensure sustainable development.

According to the ACC, it sent extradition requests in both English and Arabic to the Ministry of Home Affairs on June 16 to facilitate Benazir Ahmed's return. The move followed a notification from Abu Dhabi's National Central Bureau (NCB), which informed Bangladesh on June 12 that Benazir had been arrested and requested a formal extradition application within 30 days through diplomatic channels.

Media reports indicate that a UAE court granted Benazir bail on July 27, and he was released from custody on July 30 after completing the required legal procedures.

The ACC said six cases against the former police chief are currently under investigation, including allegations of illicit wealth, concealment of assets, passport fraud, and money laundering. The commission also claims to have traced substantial assets linked to Benazir and his family in different parts of Bangladesh.