People suffer significantly in extreme heat. Some pieces of news add to the woes. Different rumours are floating around and investigations are being conducted in some cases, making it difficult for many to catch their breath.

Iran’s President Ibrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdullahian were killed in a helicopter crash on 19 May. While it may have been an accident, given the on-going tensions in the Middle East, particularly Israel’s operation in Gaza, it is not easy to assume it was a normal occurrence.

However, Iran has not yet assigned blame for the incident. If the situation is murky, many doubts, whether true or false, will come together.

The following day (Monday), the government of the USA banned Bangladesh’s former army chief, General (retd) Aziz Ahmed, and his family members from entering the country.

The US State Department issued a statement alleging that Aziz Ahmed had helped his brother to evade accountability for criminal activities in Bangladesh and engaged in significant corruption by interfering with the regulatory process.

It was also stated that Aziz Ahmed had collaborated with his brother unfairly to secure contracts in the military sector and had taken bribes in exchange for government appointments. However, Aziz denied all the allegations.

Wednesday (22 May) was Buddha Purnima, a public holiday. On the morning of that day, the news came that Awami League Member of Parliament of Jhenaidah-4 Constituency Anwarul Azim was murdered in Kolkata while his disappearance had already hit the headlines.

Uncomfortable Week, Uneasy NewsEarlier that day, it was said that his body had been recovered, but it has not been found so far. It is said that after the murder, the body was dismembered and dumped in various places in a way that was never to be found as if it reminded us of the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. According to multiple media reports, he was killed due to a dispute over gold smuggling. The police and detectives of Bangladesh and India are working on this. Let the truth come out; that is desirable.

Former Chief of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed and his family members have been ordered to surrender 83 documents (Dalil) and freeze 33 bank accounts by a Dhaka court following an application by the Anti-Corruption Commission. The Daily Kaler Kantha previously reported on the extensive wealth of Benazir Ahmed and his family.

In response, the former police chief addressed the allegations in a video message on his Facebook page but failed to assure the state that he would not transfer his assets. Consequently, the state has frozen the former official’s assets.

The sanctions imposed by America against General (retired) Aziz and the seizure of former police chief Benazir Ahmed’s assets are significant matters. Their family members are also affected by these actions. Both individuals previously led their respective forces, which play a crucial role in the country. From this perspective, the two incidents are similar despite occurring within a few days.

Uncomfortable Week, Uneasy NewsThe similarity is the expectation that individuals in responsible positions should not engage in activities that could lead to repercussions once their service has ended. It is a well-known fact in politics that there is a profound difference between being in and out of power. Similarly, there is a distinction between serving and retired government officials. It is hoped that both Aziz and Benazir understand this.

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader stated on Friday that no one, regardless of their former position as army chief or IGP, can escape punishment for committing a crime. He emphasised that the government is sincerely determined to ensure that even the most powerful individuals face consequences for their actions.

He also highlighted the independence of the judiciary and the Anti-Corruption Commission. He pointed out that in the cases of Biswajit and Abrar’s murder, despite the accused being associated with the Chhatra League, no one received protection. The people of Bangladesh appreciate this kind of courage from their political leaders and expect that these words will be translated into actions.

Because of the common assumption that politicians are capable of committing various crimes, they are often subjected to intense scrutiny and accusations without being proven guilty; however, such is not the case for high-ranking government officials. They are usually shielded from consequences while in office, and it is difficult to hold them accountable. However, the importance of planning for retirement cannot be overstated. Failing to do so can lead to regret later on.

MP Anwarul is reportedly more unfortunate than Aziz or Benazir. He is said to be involved in a gold smuggling syndicate. This is just a complaint at this point, but it is still not possible, indeed less likely, to find any remains of his body. Consider the mental condition of Azim’s daughter and others in this
situation.

During Thursday’s (23 May) meeting of 14 parties, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina mentioned a conspiracy to establish a Christian state similar to East Timor in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and Myanmar.

Part of this plan is believed to involve establishing a base in the Bay of Bengal. The prime minister’s concerns are significant, especially given the recent events in Myanmar and the activities of various groups in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. These co-occurring events highlight the need for caution.

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The writer is an Executive Editor of Digital Media, Independent Television