The international policing body Interpol has issued a Red Notice against former Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, marking a significant escalation in the corruption investigations launched during the previous Awami League government’s tenure.
The notice was issued on 10 April, following a court directive based on an application from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), said sources.
The Interpol alert was requested earlier in February as authorities moved to locate and repatriate Benazir, who fled the country with his family amid mounting allegations.
“Benazir is currently absconding with his entire family. While his exact location remains unknown, we believe the Red Notice will enable us to track, arrest, and eventually return him to face justice,” said a senior police officer of DIG rank.
Interpol has not yet published Benazir’s Red Notice on its public website, a move that typically follows successful identification of the fugitive’s location. However, Bangladesh Police has received formal confirmation of the notice via email.
Notably, Red Notices have also been proposed against 12 other high-ranking former officials, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader, and several ex-ministers. These cases are currently under legal review by Interpol, according to police officials.
Benazir’s downfall began under the very government he once served. The ACC initiated inquiries into alleged large-scale irregularities and corruption during his tenure. He had served as the Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) from 2015 to April 2020, before taking charge as IGP until September 2022.
He departed Bangladesh on 4 May 2024, shortly after the student-led uprising that forced the Awami League government’s collapse. The inquiries into Benazir include allegations of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, corruption, and other serious offences.
Interpol’s decision to act on the ACC’s request signals growing international cooperation on financial crime and justice enforcement, while also heightening pressure on the fugitive figures of the previous regime.
