Ex-IGP Benazir under probe in around 10 cases at Int'l Crimes Tribunal: Chief prosecutor
Earlier yesterday, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told Parliament that former police chief Benazir Ahmed had been arrested in Dubai, UAE, and would be brought back to Bangladesh soon.
Former inspector general of police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, reportedly arrested in Dubai, is not only the alleged mastermind of the Shapla Chattar incident but is also under investigation in around 10 cases at the International Crimes Tribunal, according to Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam.
Speaking at a press briefing at his office today (15 June), he said, "Benazir Ahmed is not only the mastermind of the Shapla Chattar incident. We once knew that he was running the whole of Bangladesh. No one was considered more powerful than him."
Earlier yesterday, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told parliament that Benazir had been arrested in Dubai, UAE, and would be brought back to Bangladesh soon.
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Describing his influence, Aminul said, "Considering his arrogance, his body language, and everything combined, at one point in Bangladesh he was even more well-known than Sheikh Hasina."
He alleged, "He had a history of committing various wrongdoings throughout his career. We believe that during the final years of the Awami League, internal conflicts led one of their insiders to expose his activities."
Referring to ongoing investigations, Aminul said, "Around 10 cases are under investigation against Benazir Ahmed at our tribunal. He is linked to all of them."
He added that investigations related to enforced disappearances during his tenure in RAB are ongoing, along with cases connected to the Shapla Chattar incident, where he is considered a key figure.
"The investigation is at its final stage," he said, adding that Benazir is also directly linked to the Ekram murder case in Cox's Bazar.
He further alleged that the former IGP was involved in multiple killings during his tenure as police commissioner, RAB chief, and later as IGP, and played a controversial role during disputed elections under the previous government.
The chief prosecutor said that if brought back to Bangladesh, Benazir would be produced before the tribunal for ongoing trials, remanded in cases under investigation, and interrogated further.
