Gen Aziz's ban not under US visa policy: Foreign Minister

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud has observed that the United States did not ban former army chief General (retd) Aziz Ahmed under the visa policy.

“The US decision against former army chief General Aziz Ahmed was not under the visa policy. It was made under Section 7031(c) of the annual Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act,” he said while addressing the “Meet the Reporters” programme on Tuesday (May 21) organised by Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU).

He said the decision regarding the ex-army chief was first conveyed to the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington.

Hasan Mahmud said the government of Bangladesh has taken a zero tolerance policy on combating corruption and will continue to work with the United States on this issue.

“For combating corruption, we are working with the US. We want to work together and will continue to do that. Bangladesh remains engaged with the US and the two countries are working together on combating terrorism, human trafficking and other issues,” the minister said.

The US Department of State on Monday announced the public designation of General Aziz Ahmed, previously Chief of the Bangladesh Army Staff, due to what it says was his involvement in "significant corruption".

This action renders Aziz and his immediate family members generally ineligible for entering the United States.

His actions have contributed to the undermining of Bangladesh’s democratic institutions and the public’s faith in public institutions and processes, the US State Department said.

DRU President Syed Shukur Ali Shuvo and General Secretary Mohiuddin also spoke at the event.