Bangladeshi diplomat arrested in UK after released on bail in Moscow

Bangladesh’s former Charge d’Affaires in Moscow, Md Faisal Ahmed, has been arrested in the United Kingdom by West Midlands Police.

He was taken into custody on 16 December in the Solihull area of Birmingham over allegations of assault and threats of sexual assault.

He has been released on bail pending the completion of the investigation.

When Prothom Alo emailed West Midlands Police to know the matter, they have confirmed the matter.

In their reply, the police stated: “On 16 December, a man in his fifties was arrested from an address in Solihull on suspicion of assault and threats of sexual assault. He was later released on bail pending investigation. Support for the female complainant continues to be provided as required.”

On 27 May, Faisal Ahmed was placed on “stand release” — effectively an immediate recall — from the Bangladesh Embassy in Moscow over internal administrative issues and allegations of inappropriate behaviour with colleagues. He was simultaneously ordered to return to Dhaka as soon as possible.

However, instead of returning to Dhaka, he used his diplomatic passport to travel to the United Kingdom. The owner of a house in Birmingham stated that Faisal Ahmed’s wife has been residing there since 2017.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh High Commission in London has also confirmed the matter. Citing High Commissioner Abida Islam, the High Commission’s press minister told Prothom Alo that they are aware of the arrest of former diplomat Faisal Ahmed.

The complaint was filed with the police by the homeowner. Speaking to Prothom Alo on the condition of anonymity, the homeowner said that about three weeks ago, a window in the house was broken. As the tenant’s husband, Faisal Ahmed was asked to arrange for the repair and to cover the cost. Later, the repairer suggested that replacing the entire window would be more reasonable than just fixing the glass. When a proposal was made to split the cost equally, Faisal Ahmed reportedly expressed dissatisfaction.

The complainant further stated that, angered by the issue, Faisal Ahmed sent multiple harsh and threatening messages, which allegedly contained references to gunfire and violence. As the situation escalated, the matter was first reported to his wife and subsequently to the police.

In connection with these events, the complainant claims that Faisal Ahmed was first detained on the night of 13 December. However, the police stated that he was arrested on 16 December. The case is still under investigation, and further action will be taken according to the law.