The US State Department has banned former Bangladesh Army Chief General (retd) Aziz Ahmed and his family members from entering the United States. Washington has taken this action due to allegations of involvement in corruption.
This information was given in a statement published on the website of the US State Department on Monday night.
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 trust and confidence in the democratic institutions and government institutions and processes of Bangladesh.
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.
Matthew Miller said 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 would make Aziz Ahmed and his family members generally ineligible to enter the United States.