The United States placed the former army chief of Bangladesh on a visa blacklist on Monday (local time) due to allegations that he accepted bribes and gave military contracts to his family in an unlawful manner.
According to the State Department, retired general Aziz Ahmed and his close relatives would not be permitted to enter the country due to a legislation that combats corruption.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement that "his actions have contributed to the undermining of Bangladesh`s democratic institutions and the public`s faith in public institutions and processes."
An Al Jazeera program about Ahmed in 2021 said that he had aided two brothers evade Bangladeshi law enforcement by using his position to live opulently and that he had taken use of his status to live a lavish lifestyle.
Ahmed assisted "his brother evade accountability for criminal activity in Bangladesh," according to the State Department.
He additionally "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 report.
Bangladesh and the United States have typically enjoyed cordial ties, even when it comes to security, with Sheikh Hasina being viewed as a partner on a number of issues, including common worries about Islamist extremism.
However, Washington has already blocked visas to Bangladeshis accused of tampering with elections and has voiced criticism of what it perceives as an undemocratic shift in the country.
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