US sanctions ex-chief Aziz, family members due to his involvement in significant corruption.

Bangladesh’s former army chief General Aziz Ahmed has dismissed as “untrue” the corruption and nepotism allegations made by the United States.

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 made these remarks while speaking to reporters on Tuesday afternoon after the US government ban on him and his family from entering into the United States.

The former army chief linked the sanctions to the documentary ‘All the Prime Minister’s 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 Aziz.

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

In a conversation with reporters broadcast on Jamuna TV, he expressed his surprise, saying, “First of all, I will say in one word, I am really surprised. A friend sent me the copy.”

“The allegations made by the United States in this ban were featured in the Al Jazeera documentary. The two allegations presented by the US are related to this event, although there are no further details provided. However, the accusations are the same.”

“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 country’s 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, I’ll accept the allegations. Let them come forward and prove it.”

Regarding legal action, Aziz said, “I don’t think so. It’s very unfortunate. People will understand that.”

When asked if he would address the US Embassy, he said, “Why? No, I don’t 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 State Department imposed sanctions on the former army chief on Monday for his alleged involvement in corruption.

Aziz and members of his immediate family cannot enter the United States as a result of the ban imposed under Section 7031(c) of the Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act of the US Department of State.

“The US Department of State announced today 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 Bangladesh’s democratic institutions and the public’s faith in public institutions and processes,” the country’s Department of State said in a statement on its website on Monday.

“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 Bangladesh’s 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 Lu’s visit to Dhaka in mid-May. But, following Lu’s return, State Department spokesman Vedanta Patel made clear that the sanctions against RAB would not be lifted.

Tensions between the US and Bangladesh rose last year ahead of the elections as the US imposed a visa ban on certain Bangladeshi nationals.

The US said at the time the visa policy to block entry to the country was imposed against those who disrupted the democratic election process in Bangladesh.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said at the time that the policy applied to members of law enforcement and activists from the ruling and opposition parties, though it was not clear exactly who or how many were subject to the visa ban.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud declined to comment on the US travel ban on the former army chief.

In response to a question at a ‘Meet the Reporters’ event at the Dhaka Reporters Unity on Tuesday, he said, “Look, it is an army matter, since it is a military issue. I don’t want to say anything about the army at the moment. As a former army chief, it is an army matter.”

“So, we believe we are engaging with the United States. We are working together with them against corruption, terrorism, and in other aspects internationally, such as human trafficking. We want to work together with the United States against corruption and want to continue to do so.”

Asked about the ban, the foreign minister said, “The visa policy that was announced is the 3-C visa policy under the US Immigration and Nationality Act. That was the visa policy.”

“And the visa restriction against General Aziz is under the Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. That means the restrictions were not imposed under the visa policy that was announced. He is subject to visa restrictions under other laws.”

He said, “Our government has adopted a zero tolerance policy against corruption. And, under the honourable prime minister, you have seen many Awami League MPs have gone to jail for corruption.”

“They have been in jail for quite some time. Action has also been taken against many in the ruling party. We are working closely with the United States to combat corruption and in other areas.”

Asked about the decision coming a few days after US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu’s visit, the foreign minister said, “He said we want to move the relationship forward by putting aside the issues that have created confusion. That was his statement. We also said we want to take the relationship forward.”

To a question regarding the visa policy restrictions, he said, “Actually, I do not know anyone who has had their visa denied under the current visa policy. The action taken against General Aziz is under another act.”

“Of course, if the visa policy is meant to apply to those who obstruct democracy, then those who are actually obstructing democracy by beating a policeman to death, attacking hospitals and attacking the residence of the chief justice, those who have burnt people to block democracy and stop the election, the policy should be enforced against them.”

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