Aug 02 (v7n) - State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has said the government remains in close communication with UAE authorities and is optimistic that former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed will be brought back to Bangladesh soon.
Speaking to reporters in Dhaka, she confirmed that necessary documents have been exchanged between the two sides. "They [the UAE] wanted some specific information, which was provided accordingly," she said, adding that the UAE is proceeding under its domestic laws, while Bangladesh will take the next steps through legal channels.
Her remarks came after she addressed the inaugural programme of the National Action Plan (NAP) 2026-2030 for implementing the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), where Expatriates' Welfare Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury was chief guest.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir said the government has already initiated the process to bring Benazir Ahmed back. Responding to queries about reports that the former police chief had been released on bail in the UAE, he said the Home Ministry has begun the required procedures and discussions are ongoing. "If there is progress, you will be informed by the Home Ministry or our Foreign Ministry," he added, declining further comment without complete information.
The former IGP was arrested in Dubai in connection with a case filed by Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Interpol had issued a red notice against him in April 2025.
The migration event also featured a debriefing on the International Migration Review Forum 2026, highlighting Bangladesh's role in advancing the global migration agenda. The NAP 2026-2030 was developed jointly by the government and IOM, with support from the EU under the Prottasha II project.
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