No official confirmation of Benazir's presence in Saint Lucia: Home minister

The government has no official confirmation that former inspector general of police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed has travelled to Saint Lucia, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told parliament today (8 September).

"Although reports have appeared in the media, no state or relevant authority has so far officially confirmed his location. Therefore, it would not be appropriate to reach a final conclusion about his whereabouts solely on the basis of media reports," he said.

The minister said if Benazir's presence in another country is officially confirmed, the government will pursue his arrest, extradition or other legal measures under that country's laws, relevant treaties or the principle of reciprocity, as well as applicable international legal frameworks.

He was responding to a general motion in parliament seeking details of the government's efforts to bring Benazir back to Bangladesh.

Govt pursuing extradition from UAE

Salahuddin said the government had not delayed efforts to bring Benazir back to Bangladesh.

"Bangladesh has no bilateral extradition treaty with the United Arab Emirates, where his arrest had been reported. The government is therefore pursuing the process under UAE law and the principle of reciprocity, he added." "An Interpol Red Notice has been issued against Benazir."

According to the minister, the National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abu Dhabi formally informed NCB Dhaka of Benazir's arrest on 12 June 2026. Bangladesh sent a formal extradition request through diplomatic channels four days later on 16 June, and also sent a copy to NCB Abu Dhabi the same day.

Salahuddin said UAE law provides for a formal extradition request to be submitted within 30 days of an arrest, but Bangladesh did not wait until the deadline.

On 8 July, the UAE Ministry of Justice sought additional information and documents, including assurances regarding reciprocity, a formal statement from Bangladesh's central authority, information on legal limitation periods and certified arrest warrants.

Additional supporting documents were sent through diplomatic channels on 4 August, he said.

The UAE's central authority subsequently sought further legal clarification on 22 August, including details on limitation periods for prosecution and laws governing the expiry of sentences. Bangladesh has until 22 September to respond.

The minister said the Law and Justice Division provided its opinion on 1 September and the Anti-Corruption Commission submitted its opinion on 2 September. A consolidated response is now being prepared, authenticated and translated into Arabic and will be sent to the UAE authorities within the deadline.

Govt hires law firm for extradition process

The government has also appointed a law firm in the UAE to assist with the extradition process.

Salahuddin said Bangladesh appointed Hamdan Al Kabir Advocates & Legal Consultancy through the Bangladesh Embassy in Abu Dhabi on 30 July to provide legal assistance related to the extradition and other proceedings.

Parliament seeks update on Benazir's repatriation

Earlier, Dhaka-14 MP Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem moved a general motion under Rule 147(1) of the Rules of Procedure seeking details of the government's efforts to bring Benazir back.

In his motion, Mir Ahmad referred to media reports that Benazir, who faces multiple cases involving alleged crimes against humanity, money laundering and corruption, had been arrested in Dubai following an Interpol Red Notice but later secured bail and reportedly travelled to Saint Lucia.

He described the reported developments as a serious failure in the extradition process and sought a detailed account of government measures, including whether there had been any legal or procedural shortcomings in the extradition request.

He also sought updates on investigations into allegations that Benazir used passports from six countries and on steps to recover or seize his alleged assets at home and abroad.

The home minister, however, said Benazir's reported travel to Saint Lucia had not been officially confirmed.

Govt seeks foreign help to recover assets

Salahuddin said the Anti-Corruption Commission has filed separate cases against Benazir over allegations of passport fraud involving six countries. "Senior officials of the Department of Immigration and Passports have also been named as accused in those cases, which remain under investigation."

Regarding assets allegedly held by Benazir and his family abroad, the minister said Bangladesh has sent Mutual Legal Assistance Requests (MLARs) to the relevant countries.

Once information and evidence are received, steps will be taken under domestic law, court orders and international cooperation mechanisms to freeze, seize, confiscate or repatriate the assets, he said.

On Benazir's reported release on bail, Salahuddin said bail did not mean that the extradition process had ended.
"Extradition is a legal and judicial process, and it takes time to complete its various stages," he said, arguing that his release on bail should not be interpreted as government inaction or failure.

After nearly 90 minutes of discussion, 10 lawmakers from both the treasury and opposition benches spoke on Mir Ahmad's motion.

At the end of the debate, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said the home ministry should inform parliament as soon as possible about the steps being taken to bring Benazir back to Bangladesh.

The motion was then passed by voice vote.