Staff Reporter :
Finance Minister Abul Hasan Mahmood Ali announced on Sunday that the Bangladeshi Army would pursue action against former army chief General Aziz Ahmed, even after his retirement.
The minister made this remark regarding taking action against loan defaulters while speaking to journalists at the Secretariat this Sunday afternoon, mentioning the matter of taking action against the former army chief in the course of the conversation.
Minister Ali emphasised the government’s commitment to addressing loan defaults, regardless of the defaulters’ influence or power.
“The International Monetary Fund [IMF] has advised the government to reduce defaulted loans. We will take action against the defaulters accordingly. I want to catch the defaulters,” he asserted, following a meeting with IMF Executive Director Krishnamurthy Venkata Subramanian.
Responding to queries on whether the government could act against powerful defaulters, Ali referenced ongoing actions against high-profile figures.
“Actions are being taken against the former police chief [Benazir Ahmed]. Did he not have enough power?” he asked rhetorically, underscoring the government’s resolve.
He further indicated the government’s support for judicial measures against the former police chief. “If there were any allegations of corruption against former Army Chief Aziz Ahmed, the military would handle his trial,” he added, signalling a robust stance against corruption within military ranks.