Interpol issues red notice against ex-IGP Benazir: Police HQ

The International Criminal Police Organisation, commonly known as Interpol, issued a red notice for former inspector general of police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed.

Enamul Haque Sagar, assistant inspector general of police at Bangladesh Police Headquarters, confirmed the matter and said the red notice was issued on 10 April.

However, the notice is yet to appear on Interpol's website.

Benazir is facing a range of serious allegations, including illegal wealth accumulation, money laundering, tax evasion, extortion, passport forgery, and involvement in human rights violations.

He served as IGP from 15 April 2020 to 30 September 2022 and had previously held the positions of director general of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner. His tenure has been marred by accusations of corruption and misuse of power.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has accused Benazir of accumulating illegal wealth, including approximately 621 bighas of land in Gopalganj, Cox's Bazar, and Madaripur; luxury apartments in Dhaka's Gulshan area, including a duplex valued at around Tk20 crore; and shares in 19 companies, such as Best Holdings (owner of Le Meridien Dhaka) and Savanna Agro Limited. He also owns the Savanna Eco Resort and Natural Park in Gopalganj.

In addition, Benazir holds 33 bank accounts, three beneficiary owner accounts, and savings certificates worth Tk30 lakh. These assets are deemed disproportionate to his known income.

In February 2025, the ACC filed a case against Benazir and his family for laundering Tk11.34 crore. His wife and daughters are also implicated in accumulating over Tk44 crore in illegal wealth. Additionally, they are under investigation for significant tax evasion as their declared income does not align with their wealth.

In 2024, the ACC filed a case for passport forgery, alleging that Benazir misrepresented his profession to obtain passports without the necessary departmental no-objection certificates.

Furthermore, the US Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on Benazir in December 2021 under the Global Magnitsky Act, citing his involvement in human rights violations, particularly extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances during his time as the RAB director general.

He has also been accused of using his position to extort landowners in various areas, including Gopalganj and Saint Martin's Island, for personal ventures, including resorts and agricultural businesses.

As of 2025, Benazir is reportedly abroad, and a Dhaka court has issued a warrant for his arrest, requesting Interpol's assistance in bringing him back to face these charges.