Staff Correspondent

The United States on Tuesday imposed sanctions on retired army chief Aziz Ahmed over corruption allegations, effectively restrictings his entry into the world's most influential country.

The sanctions also apply to his immediate family members, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.

As per the statement, Aziz accepted bribes and improperly awarded military contracts to benefit his family during his time in office.

"His actions have contributed to the undermining of Bangladesh's democratic institutions and the public's faith in public institutions and processes," the statement read.

The State Department asserted that retired general Aziz Ahmed and his immediate family members would be ineligible to enter the United States under a law that targets corruption.

Aziz also helped "his brother evade accountability for criminal activity in Bangladesh," the State Department said.

He "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 added.

Aziz Ahmed assumed the role of Chief of Army Staff in June 2018, and retired in June 2021. He has been succeeded by General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed.

In a post on its X, the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement of the State Department said, “Former Chief of the Army Staff in Bangladesh, General Aziz Ahmed, is generally ineligible for entry into the United States due to his involvement in significant corruption. The United States reaffirms its commitment to support Bangladesh in rule of law and anti-corruption efforts.”