Dhaka: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today expressed confidence that former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed will soon be repatriated to Bangladesh from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The government has been in active communication with UAE authorities to facilitate this process.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the state minister informed reporters that the exchange of necessary documents between the two nations is underway. The UAE authorities had requested specific information, which was duly provided by Bangladesh. Shama emphasized that while UAE is following its domestic procedures, Bangladesh is prepared to proceed through the appropriate legal channels.
Earlier, Shama participated in the inaugural event of the National Action Plan (NAP) 2026-2030, aimed at implementing the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM). The event saw the presence of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury as the chief guest.
In a related development, Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir confirmed that the government has commenced the process to bring back Benazir Ahmed. Responding to inquiries about media reports on Ahmed’s bail in the UAE, Kobir mentioned that the Home Ministry has begun the necessary procedures and discussions are ongoing. He assured that updates would be provided once substantial progress is made.
Benazir Ahmed was apprehended in Dubai following a case by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), and a red notice was issued by Interpol in April 2025. The migration event also highlighted Bangladesh’s significant role in the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) 2026, reflecting its leadership in global migration issues.
The NAP 2026-2030 is a collaborative effort between the Bangladesh government and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), supported by the European Union through the EU-funded Prottasha II project.