An application has been made to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) seeking investigation into corruption allegations against former Army Chief General (retd) Aziz Ahmed. Supreme Court lawyer Salah Uddin Regan made this request at the ACC office in Segunbagicha of the capital on Wednesday (May 29) afternoon.
According to the notice, the US sanctions against Aziz Ahmed on corruption charges and the reports published in national daily newspapers have tarnished the image of ‘Bangladesh Army’ and Bangladesh in the national and international arena. This has damaged the reputation of Bangladesh Army worldwide. The reputation of the Bangladesh Army has been tarnished by the UN peacekeeping mission. It has undermined the confidence and trust of the common people of the country in the army. But it is very unfortunate that the Anti-Corruption Commission did not take the initiative to investigate even after such a big complaint was published. Which is the inaction of the ACC.
Lawyer Salah Uddin Regan said that this application has been made to investigate the allegations against Aziz according to the law. He also said that if the ACC does not take action, he will file a writ in the High Court in public interest.
Incidentally, the country has banned the entry of former army chief General (retd) Aziz Ahmed and his family members into the United States on allegations of involvement in corruption. This information was given in a statement published on the website of the United States Department of State on Monday (May 20).
According to the statement, General Aziz Ahmed’s actions have undermined the people’s faith in Bangladesh’s democratic institutions and government institutions. Aziz Ahmed was involved in several cases of corruption to avoid accountability for his brother’s criminal activities in Bangladesh. Aziz worked closely with his brother on military contracts and accepted bribes in exchange for government appointments for his personal gain.
The statement also said that the action against Aziz Ahmed reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to strengthen the democratic establishment and 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.
It is also said that the State Department has announced the inclusion of former Bangladesh Army Chief, Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs under Section 7031 (C) of the Appropriations Act. The move would make Aziz Ahmed and his family members ineligible to enter the United States.