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Corruption must be rooted out: Bangladesh Army chief

DHAKA: Bangladesh’s Army chief, General Moeen U. Ahmed, has said it would be a disgrace for the nation if the two detained leaders — Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia — are allowed to lead their parties again if they are convicted of corruption.

“I have nothing against them… We respect them. One is the daughter of Bangabandhu and the other is wife of a [former] President,” said Gen. Ahmed at a press conference attended by expatriate Bangladesh journalists in New York. He said the two were detained on charges of corruption and are on trial.

“If they walk out free … then they are not corrupt. But if they are found to be corrupt, I’m not saying they are corrupt, would you still like to call them leaders? I leave it to you,” said Gen. Ahmed, who is on a visit to the United States.

Corruption must be rooted out to save democracy, he said, adding that the people would find honest and competent candidates for the next election.

Responding to a volley of questions, Gen. Ahmed said the army was only helping the government in maintaining law and order and in preparing the electoral roll.

He also disfavoured calling the present interim government “army-backed”. Gen. Ahmed said he has no political ambitions and wanted to retire from the service and dedicate himself to the service of orphans.

He was, however, visibly annoyed when some journalists questioned whether the interim government is pursuing a “minus-two formula” modelled on that of Pakistan, to dislodge the two key politicians.

“Why does always the Pakistani theory come up? We left them 36 years ago. The Bangladesh army fought against the Pakistani army, we fought and liberated our country… Pakistan promulgated martial law, we did not.”

Gen. Ahmed disagreed with the notion that the army has been interfering in the running of the country. “Some people sought to insist that we should impose martial law, though I’ve repeatedly moved to make the army’s position clear.”

He said the government is working towards conducting a free, fair and credible election which would be held within the next 14 months.

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