Trial Underway, Investigation Continues Against Former IGP Benazir Ahmed
The Original Report in Bangla was published by Jagonews24.com on 15 June, 2026.
Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, once regarded as one of Bangladesh’s most influential law enforcement officials, is currently facing proceedings before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in multiple cases alleging crimes against humanity.
According to prosecution officials, Benazir has been named as an accused in at least two significant cases before the Tribunal. While trial proceedings have already commenced in one case, another remains under investigation.
One of the ongoing trials concerns allegations of enforced disappearance and torture at the Rapid Action Battalion’s (RAB) Task Force for Interrogation (TFI) Cell during the Awami League administration. The case names 17 accused, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former IGP Benazir Ahmed.
The Tribunal formally commenced trial proceedings on 22 December 2025 after framing five charges. Four prosecution witnesses have already testified in the case. Of the 17 accused, ten are currently in custody, while Benazir Ahmed and several others have been designated as fugitives.
Prosecutor Barrister Shyikh Mahdi stated that additional cases involving Benazir Ahmed are currently under investigation, although details cannot yet be disclosed in the interest of the ongoing inquiries.
Meanwhile, investigators are continuing their probe into another crimes against humanity case concerning the alleged killings and torture during the Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Chattar in Motijheel on 5 May 2013. The International Crimes Tribunal has directed investigators to submit their report by 10 August 2026. Benazir Ahmed has also been named as an accused in that case.
According to prosecution sources, investigators have so far identified 58 individuals allegedly killed in connection with the Shapla Chattar operation, including 32 in Dhaka, 20 in Narayanganj, five in Chattogram, and one in Cumilla. Sources further indicated that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to be named as the principal accused in the case.
Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Aminul Islam alleged that Benazir Ahmed played a significant role within the state security apparatus during successive national elections under the Awami League government. He claimed that Benazir amassed substantial wealth unlawfully and was involved in serious human rights violations, including killings and crimes against humanity, without facing accountability during the previous administration.
Referring to the events at Shapla Chattar, Aminul Islam said the incident had shocked the conscience of people both in Bangladesh and abroad. He pledged that all individuals found responsible during the investigation would be brought to justice, regardless of their official position or professional background.
The complaint seeking prosecution over the Shapla Chattar incident was submitted to the Chief Prosecutor by Hefazat-e-Islam leader Azizul Haque on behalf of organization leaders Junayed Al Habib and Maulana Mamunul Haque. Based on the complaint, 21 individuals were named as accused.
Following Bangladesh’s recent political transition, the crimes against humanity cases involving former senior officials of the country’s security forces are widely being viewed as a major test of accountability. At the center of that process remains former IGP Benazir Ahmed, who is simultaneously facing trial in one case and investigation in another before the International Crimes Tribunal.