The chief of Bangladesh's army retired on Monday, defending his role in the military-backed regime that ruled the country for two years until January. Although General Moeen U Ahmed did not have a political position, he was seen as the most powerful man in Bangladesh after the regime took over following months of deadly violence between supporters of the two main political parties.
"The people will judge my actions," Moeen told reporters after a farewell visit to President Zillur Rahman. Ahmed is widely believed to have persuaded then president Iajuddin Ahmed to step in and declare a state of emergency as violence worsened in January 2007.
The general made a series of speeches accusing Bangladesh's leaders of unbridled corruption and of worsening poverty in the impoverished country. He became the key figure behind the civilian caretaker government that came to power. The two rival political leaders were jailed by the caretaker government, but were later released to fight in elections in December that restored democratic rule. Sheikh Hasina emerged as the clear winner in the polls.
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