The process to bring back former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, who was arrested in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is progressing rapidly, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said.
He made the remarks while briefing reporters after awarding 15 police members with certificates, financial rewards and special recognition for their dedication, bravery and public service in four separate incidents at the Home Ministry conference room at Bangladesh Secretariat on Saturday.
Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry Monzur Morshed Chowdhury, Inspector General of Police Ali Hossain Fakir and senior officials of the ministry and police were present at the event.
The minister said UAE Federal Police arrested Benazir Ahmed based on an Interpol Red Notice and the UAE authorities had given 30 days to submit necessary documents for the next legal process. However, the Home Ministry prepared, translated and sent 144 pages of required documents through diplomatic channels to the UAE government within only three days.
He said Abu Dhabi’s Federal National Central Bureau informed Bangladesh’s NCB through email on June 12 that the accused had been arrested following Bangladesh’s request based on the Red Notice.
The minister also described the four incidents for which 15 police personnel were honoured, including Traffic Constable Mohammad Kamruzzaman, who received recognition for clearing plastic waste from a drainage outlet at Kuril Bishwa Road flyover during heavy rain to reduce public suffering.
He said the Home Ministry has introduced a “punishment and reward” policy under which sincere and honest police members are rewarded while those involved in negligence, inactivity or corruption face departmental action.
Regarding crime-prone areas in Dhaka, including Mohammadpur, the minister said such areas cannot be made crime-free overnight, but the ministry has prepared specific plans that will be implemented gradually to eliminate criminal activities.
The four award-winning incidents included exemplary traffic police service to reduce public suffering, arrest of armed muggers in Adabor, solving the sensational mother-daughter murder case in Anwara, and bringing suspects in a robbery and gang rape case in Chakaria to justice.
The honoured police members included officers and constables from different units for their outstanding contributions in these cases.