Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud has said that 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," he told reporters. Hasan was speaking at a “meet the reporters” programme today (May 21, 2024) organised by Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU). DRU President Syed Shukur Ali Shuvo and General Secretary Mohiuddin also spoke at the event. Responding to a question, the Foreign Minister said the US decision against former army chief General Aziz Ahmed was not under the visa policy. Ex Army chief Aziz, his immediate family members ineligible for entry into US It was made under Section 7031(c) of the annual Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh remains engaged with the US and the two countries are working together on combating terrorism, human trafficking and other issues. He said the decision regarding the ex army chief was first conveyed to the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington. 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. "Aziz Ahmed engaged in significant corruption by interfering in public processes while helping his brother evade accountability for criminal activity in Bangladesh," said the US Department of State. 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, it claimed. "This designation reaffirms the US commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and rule of law in Bangladesh," said the US government. Read more: Someone “paid by BNP” is deployed at US State Dept briefings: Hasan Mahmud

The U.S. Department of State has announced the public designation of former General Aziz Ahmed, previously Chief of the Bangladesh Army Staff, due to what it says his involvement in "significant corruption". This action renders Aziz and his immediate family members generally ineligible for entry into 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, it said "Aziz Ahmed engaged in significant corruption by interfering in public processes while helping his brother evade accountability for criminal activity in Bangladesh," said the US Department of State. Read more: Australia FM to discuss climate change, regional maritime security, bilateral issues with PM Hasina, FM Tuesday 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, the Srate Department claimed. "This designation reaffirms the U.S. commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and rule of law in Bangladesh," said the US government. The United States supports anticorruption efforts in Bangladesh through assistance to make government services more transparent and affordable, improve the business and regulatory environment, and build 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. Read more: Bangladeshi students in Kyrgyzstan capital are safe: Foreign Minister

Chief of Army Staff General Aziz Ahmed will leave Dhaka for Zambia on an official visit on Friday at the invitation of Zambian Army Chief Lt Gen William Sikazwe . General Aziz Ahmed will lead a 6-member delegation of Bangladesh Army during this visit, says an Inter Service Public Relation (ISPR) media release on Thursday. He is scheduled to visit various military installations and training institutes during the official trip. Besides, he will also visit a parade at the Arakan Barracks in Lusaka, Zambia and also place floral wreath at the mausoleum. General Aziz Ahmed will also pay courtesy call on Zambian Defense Minister, its Army Chief, Air Force Chief and Commandant of  Zambian National Service (ZNS). During the meetings, he will discuss  further strengthening the relations between the armies of the two countries and mutual cooperation. General Aziz will also visit Zambia Defense Service Command and Staff College and deliver a lecture there. The army chief will return home on May 6.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Sunday said the nature of peacekeeping has changed due to the use of advanced technology and sophisticated weapons, the misuse of social media and the ongoing global epidemic. He made the remarks at the “Army Chiefs' Conclave” at multipurpose complex of Dhaka Cantonment. Bangladesh Army organised the seminar with the participation of local and foreign military and civilian dignitaries. Also read: Bangladesh tops in UN Peacekeeping Mission Foreign Minister Momen said meaningful mutual cooperation, increased participation of women and development of health-related emergencies were essential to address the challenges posed by this unprecedented global epidemic in establishing world peace. The main topic of discussion at the seminar was ‘Future Trend of Global Conflict: The Role of UN Peacekeepers’.

Visiting Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane made a courtesy call on Bangladesh Army Chief General Aziz Ahmed at the Army Headquarters of Dhaka Cantonment on Thursday. During the meeting, they discussed various issues related to the existing good relations between the armed forces of the two countries and mutual cooperation in the future. Issues related to the implementation of the Border Road Organization, training of Army pilots, exchange of defense experts and trainers, mutual defense cooperation got priority during the discussion, says an Inter Service Public Relation (ISPR) media release. Also read: Indian Army chief arrives in Bangladesh General Aziz expressed gratitude for India's commendable cooperation in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic. He also hoped that India would be beside Bangladesh in resolving the Rohingya crisis. Earlier, General Naravane paid tributes to the members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces who made supreme sacrifices during the Liberation War of 1971, by laying a wreath at the altar of Shikha Anirban in Dhaka Cantonment. Also read: India offers Covid vaccine for Bangladesh army Later, the Indian Army Chief was then given a "Guard of Honor" by a smart team of the Bangladesh Army at Senakunja. Then General Naravane planted  a sapling at Senakunja. Indian Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane arrived in Dhaka on Thursday on a five-day visit. The Indian Army chief is accompanied by his wife Veena Naravane and a two-member delegation.

Bangladesh Army Chief General Aziz Ahmed on Tuesday said the recent report of AL Jazeera is completely ill-motivated.

The United Nations has appreciated the professionalism, discipline, dedication and bravery of the Bangladeshi peacekeepers deployed in different UN peacekeeping missions.

The chiefs of Bangladesh Army and Bangladesh Police on Wednesday affirmed that the death of Major (retired) Sinha Md Rashed will have no effect on the two forces.