Hit with travel ban, Bangladesh Army’s former chief Gen Aziz denies US allegations

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 in the wake of the US ban on him and his family from entering into the United States.

He 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 then army chief 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."