The U.S. Department of State has publicly designated former General Aziz Ahmed, previously Chief of the Bangladesh Army Staff, due to his involvement in significant corruption. The announcement was made by Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson on May 20, 2024.
Ahmed's actions have reportedly undermined Bangladesh’s democratic institutions and the public’s faith in these institutions and processes. He is accused of engaging in significant corruption by interfering in public processes while aiding his brother to evade accountability for criminal activity in Bangladesh. Furthermore, Ahmed allegedly worked closely with his brother to ensure the improper awarding of military contracts and accepted bribes in exchange for government appointments for personal gain.
This designation underscores the U.S.'s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and rule of law in Bangladesh. The United States supports anticorruption efforts in Bangladesh through assistance aimed at making government services more transparent and affordable, improving the business and regulatory environment, and building capacity in investigating and prosecuting money laundering and other financial crimes.
These public designations are made under Section 7031(c) of the annual Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. This action renders Ahmed and his immediate family members generally ineligible for entry into the United States.
