The immediate-past chief of army staff denied the allegations, saying that he did nothing of the sort of charges levelled against him. This is "unfortunate" and "injustice", he said in immediate reaction after the news broke in Dhaka early Tuesday.
Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud revealed that the government was informed beforehand by the US government of the decision.
The U.S. Department of State announced early hours Tuesday the public 'designation' of General Aziz relation to the charges.
"His actions have contributed to the undermining of Bangladesh's democratic institutions and the public's faith in public institutions and processes," the State Department said in a statement announcing the action.
"These public designations are made under Section 7031(c) of the annual Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act."
And this action renders Aziz and his immediate family members "generally ineligible for entry into the United States".
The State Department accusations also have it that Aziz Ahmed engaged in "significant corruption by interfering in public processes while helping his brother evade accountability for criminal activity in Bangladesh".
Also, as the reasoning for the ban goes on, he 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".
According to the statement, the designation reaffirms the U.S. commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law in Bangladesh.
"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," the statement mentions.
Reacting to the US announcement against him, General Aziz said never did he abuse his authority to favour his two brothers as alleged by the State Department.
"One of my brothers left the country before my appointment as the chief of the BGB and the army," he told the media.
He refuted allegations of corruption against him in defence purchases.
Asked about the US move, Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud told reporters at a media briefing that the Bangladesh Mission in Washington was informed of the decision by the State Department beforehand.
He said the steps against the former army chief were not taken under the visa restrictions rather it was announced under Section 7031(c) of the annual Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act.
He also said, "The Awami League government is committed to rooting out corruption and previously it took actions against several Members of Parliament also."
According to the minister, both Bangladesh and the United States agreed to work together to prevent corruption and the issue was widely discussed during the recent visit of US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com