A spokesman for the UN secretary-general said allegations of corruption in Bangladesh on Al Jazeera television were "serious". Authorities should investigate the allegations. A spokesman for the UN secretary-general's regular briefing on Thursday questioned Al Jazeera's report.
He sought comment from a spokesman for the UN Secretary-General on allegations of corruption in the Bangladesh Army and the purchase of military intelligence equipment for UN peacekeeping missions.
In this context, they are also aware of the press release issued by the Ministry of Defense of Bangladesh. Such serious allegations of corruption should be investigated by the concerned authorities. The details of this briefing and Q&A have been published on the UN website. The spokesperson of the UN Secretary General further said that Bangladesh is the largest participant in the UN peacekeeping mission in terms of uniformed members. Such members are deployed in accordance with the specific needs of the United Nations.
This requirement is reflected in the UN agreement with the country for every peacekeeping mission that Bangladesh participates in. The United Nations has not mentioned in its agreement the requirements for the electronic devices described in Al Jazeera's documentary. No such equipment has been kept in the Bangladesh contingent of the UN peacekeeping mission. The spokesperson of the UN Secretary General said that the UN peacekeeping mission has to follow the relevant intelligence policy.
In order to strengthen the security of the UN members in case of need of security situation, communication is intercepted somewhere. This capability is exercised under strict UN peacekeeping intelligence policy and under the authority of the Force Commander. Al Jazeera published a report titled "All the Prime Ministers Men" last Monday night.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Army Headquarters strongly protested and condemned the report. The truth is, the equipment was purchased from Hungary and for a UN peacekeeping mission.
There is no mention or written information that this equipment was produced in Israel. As long as Bangladesh does not have formal diplomatic relations with Israel, there is no opportunity for defense cooperation or purchase from them.
