US sanctions on former army chief Aziz Ahmed

The United States has imposed sanctions on Bangladesh's former army chief General (retd) Aziz Ahmed for alleged involvement in corruption. A statement published on the US State Department website on Monday local time (after Monday midnight Bangladesh time) announced the ineligibility of Aziz Ahmed and his family members from entering the United States.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement that former General (Ret.) Aziz Ahmed, formerly the Bangladesh Army chief, has been designated by the Department of State under Section 7031(c) of the Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act due to his involvement in significant corruption. Foreign Office. This would make Aziz Ahmed and his family members generally ineligible to enter the United States.

The statement said, his (Aziz Ahmed) activities undermined the democratic institutions of Bangladesh and reduced public confidence in government institutions and processes.
The US State Department said Aziz Ahmed helped his brother avoid accountability for criminal activities in Bangladesh. In doing so, he engaged in significant corruption by interfering with the regulatory process. He also worked closely with his brother to ensure unfair military contracts. He took bribes in exchange for government appointments for his own interests.

The action against Aziz Ahmed 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 public services more transparent and accessible to citizens, improving business and regulatory systems, and increasing capacity to investigate and prosecute money laundering and other economic crimes.

Source: Bangladesh Daily

Bangladesh Diplomat: MIJ