The recent designation of Bangladesh’s former army chief, Lieutenant General (Rtd) Aziz Ahmed, by the United States under its anti-kleptocracy and human rights law has raised significant questions, particularly: why now? This designation, under Section 7031(C), disqualifies him and his immediate family members from obtaining entry visas to the US. In an interview with this daily, Aziz himself questioned the timing, noting that he could have been banned in 2021 when Al-Jazeera aired the investigative documentary All the Prime Minister’s Men, which alleged gross misuse of power and significant corruption by him. He recalled that despite the controversy, his official visit to Washington proceeded as planned, even though nine NGOs had called for its cancellation. This decision drew strong criticism from activists. The timing of this measure is particularly puzzling as it follows a visit by  US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Donald Lu, aimed at "rebu...