Dhaka Bureau: The United States has imposed sanctions on Bangladesh’s former army chief general (ret.) Aziz Ahmed. A ban has been imposed against him for his widespread involvement in corruption.
At the same time, the family members of General Aziz Ahmed have also been informed that they will be declared ineligible to enter the United States. This was stated in a statement published on the website of the US State Department on Monday (May 20) local time.
Originally published on the website of the US State Department at midnight on Monday, Bangladesh time, the United States announced the imposition of sanctions on former army chief Aziz Ahmed on corruption charges.
US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement that the State Department has taken this action against former Bangladesh Army Chief General (retd) Aziz Ahmed due to his significant involvement in corruption. His (General Aziz’s) actions have contributed to undermining the people’s confidence and trust in Bangladesh’s democratic institutions and government institutions and processes.
Aziz Ahmed helped his brother avoid accountability for criminal activities in Bangladesh, the statement said. And in doing so, he has been involved in significant corruption by interfering with government processes. He also worked closely with his brother to ensure that he was unfairly awarded contracts in the military sector. At the same time, he accepted bribes in exchange for government appointments for his personal benefit.
Spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement that the move reaffirms the United States’ commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law in Bangladesh. The United States supports Bangladesh’s anti-corruption efforts by making government services more transparent and citizens more accessible, as well as developing business and regulatory systems and building capacity to investigate and prosecute money laundering and other economic crimes.
It is to be noted that former Army Chief General (Retd.) Aziz Ahmed has been announced by the US Department of State to be included under Section 7031(C) of the Department of State Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act.
The move also said Aziz Ahmed and his family members would be generally ineligible to enter the United States.
