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US imposes travel ban on Gen Aziz, family members on corruption charges

He dismisses the allegations as untrue

Published : Wednesday, 22 May, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 414
Staff Correspondent
The US has imposed travel ban on former Bangladesh Army Chief General Aziz Ahmed and his family members for his involvement in "significant corruption".

The US State Department decision made General Aziz and his family members ineligible to enter the US.

However, General Aziz reacted to the US travel ban on him and his family members dismissing as untrue the corruption and nepotism allegations made by the US State Department.

Talking to reporters on Tuesday afternoon he says if any contracts or corrupt activities involving his brothers can be proven, he will accept the consequences for his actions.

He said if any contracts or corrupt activities involving his brothers could be proven, he would accept the consequences for his actions, whether as the chief of the Border Security Force or the army chief.

He linked the sanctions to the documentary All the Prime Ministers Men, which aired on Qatar-based Al-Jazeera three years ago, describing the documentary as a "drama." In February 2021, an Al-Jazeera news report brought a slate of allegations, including corruption, against the then army chief Aziz.

The Army Headquarters and the foreign ministry issued statements calling the report false and slanderous.

"The first allegation is that I helped my brother evade the laws of Bangladesh by engaging in criminal activities. I must state that my brother was abroad long before I became a general. He had a valid passport and the claim that I used my position to facilitate his departure or circumvent the countrys laws is incorrect."

"The second allegation by the US is that I took bribes and engaged in corruption by awarding my brother a military contract during my tenure as army chief."

"If anyone can prove that I awarded any contract to my brothers or relatives during my four years as DG BGB or three years as army chief, I am ready to accept any consequences. This is simply not true."

"Check if any of my brothers have licences to work with the BGB or the army. If anyone can prove I awarded contracts to them, Ill accept the allegations. Let them come forward and prove it."

Regarding legal action, Aziz said, "I don think so. Its very unfortunate. People will understand that."

When asked if he would address the US Embassy, he said, "Why? No, I don see the need."

Gen Aziz served as chief of army staff from June 2018 to June 2021. He also headed the Border Guard Bangladesh for four years from 2012.

 The US Department of State announcement regarding the travel ban on Monday said, "The public designation of former General Aziz Ahmed, previously Chief of the Bangladesh Army Staff, due to his involvement in significant corruption. His actions have contributed to the undermining of Bangladeshs democratic institutions and the publics faith in public institutions and processes."

"Aziz Ahmed engaged in significant corruption by interfering in public processes while helping his brother evade accountability for criminal activity in Bangladesh. Aziz also worked closely with his brother to ensure the improper awarding of military contracts and accepted bribes in exchange for government appointments for his personal benefit."

In December 2021, the US imposed sanctions on Bangladeshs Rapid Action Battalion and seven of its current and former officers on charges of serious human rights violations.

The Bangladesh government has repeatedly called for the restrictions to be lifted, but the US has not done so.

Recently, the matter was a topic of discussion during US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lus visit to Dhaka in mid-May.

 But, following Lus return, State Department spokesman Vedanta Patel made clear that the sanctions against RAB would not be lifted.


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