[🇧🇩-Land] U.S. Visa Policy and Bangladesh Armed Forces

[Saif]

Is the US resetting relations by applying anti-kleptocracy law?

The timing of the US sanction on Gen Aziz Ahmed raises many questions.

www.thedailystar.net

Is the US resetting relations by applying anti-kleptocracy law?

VISUAL: SHAIKH SULTANA JAHAN BADHON

The recent designation of Bangladesh's former army chief, Gen (retd) Aziz Ahmed, by the United States under its anti-kleptocracy and human rights law has raised significant questions, particularly: why now? This designation, under Section 7031(C), disqualifies him and his immediate family members from obtaining entry visas to the US.

In an interview with this daily, Aziz himself questioned the timing, noting that he could have been banned in 2021 when Al-Jazeera aired the investigative documentary All the Prime Minister's Men, which alleged gross misuse of power and significant corruption by him. He recalled that despite the controversy, his official visit to Washington proceeded as planned, even though nine NGOs had called for its cancellation. This decision drew strong criticism from activists.

To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.​

 

[Saif]

DW documentary on UN Peacekeepers ‘false and fallacious’: ISPR

In a press release, it said the documentary presents a misleading portrayal of Bangladesh Army personnel in UN Peacekeeping Missions

www.thedailystar.net

DW documentary on UN Peacekeepers 'false and fallacious': ISPR

Photo: AFP

The Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate today said the Deutsche Welle (DW) documentary titled "Torturers deployed as UN peacekeepers" is "false and fallacious".

In a press release, it said the documentary presents a misleading portrayal of Bangladesh Army personnel in UN Peacekeeping Missions.

The press release said the Bangladesh Army "rigorously follows the UN's stringent selection and vetting protocols to ensure that only the most qualified and thoroughly vetted individuals are deployed. These measures underscore the Army's commitment to upholding the highest standards of conduct and professionalism in peacekeeping missions."

Furthermore, DW did not seek comments from the Bangladesh Army regarding the allegations presented in the documentary which "raises concerns about the aim and objective of the documentary".

To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.​

 

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[Saif]

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/army-will-take-action-against-gen-aziz-finance-minister

Army will take action against Gen Aziz: Finance minister
Published :
May 26, 2024 20:12
Updated :
May 26, 2024 20:30

Finance Minister Abul Hasan Mahmood Ali -- FIle Photo

Bangladesh Army will take action against its former chief General Aziz Ahmed even though he is in retirement, Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali has said.

He made the comment while talking to reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday noon.

At the time, the finance minister was actually talking about potential measures against loan defaulters and the matter of the army chief contextually came up.

As he paused, saying, "Now we have to catch the loan defaulters," he was asked if he could do it given the defaulters' power. The finance minister replied: "Let's see if I can. You can see action being taken against the former police chief (Benazir Ahmed). Wasn't he powerful?"

He noted that the government supports the court's actions against Benazir.

On Monday midnight, the United States imposed sanctions on former army chief Gen Aziz due to allegations of corruption, declaring him and his family members ineligible for entry into the country.

When journalists mentioned this, the finance minister said, "The former army chief has also been caught. Although the US imposed sanctions on him, it has come to public notice."

Then, when journalists pointed out that the government has not taken any action against the former army chief, the finance minister said that while the government hasn't done anything, the army will.

When reminded that Gen Aziz is no longer in the army, the finance minister said that the army can still take action after retirement.​