Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed said discussions are under way with the United Arab Emirates to bring former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed back to Bangladesh. Speaking to journalists at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon hotel on August 2, she said the government hopes to return him soon and complete his trial.

Obaed said the two governments have remained in contact and exchanged documents. The UAE requested specific information from Bangladesh’s Home Ministry and Foreign Ministry, and Bangladesh has provided it, she said. Asked about reports that Ahmed had received bail in Dubai, she said the matter was being handled under UAE law and that Bangladesh’s government and Home Ministry would discuss possible next steps with Emirati authorities.

Police Headquarters spokesperson A H M Shahadat Hossain said it had no information confirming reports that Ahmed received bail in the UAE. In June, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told parliament that Ahmed had been arrested and would be brought back quickly. On June 16, Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam said diplomatic channels were being used despite no extradition treaty, and that investigations were under way into about six to seven cases of crimes against humanity against Ahmed.