The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) has rejected reports that its Force Commander, Lieutenant General Mohammad Asadullah Minhazul Alam, has been withdrawn from the mission.
In a written statement, UNFICYP spokesperson Aleem Siddique said the mission was aware of media reports containing what he described as speculation regarding the commander's status.
UNFICYP issues clarification
"To avoid any doubt, Lieutenant General Minhazul Alam remains the Force Commander of UNFICYP and continues to exercise his duties and responsibilities within the mission," the statement said.
The clarification was issued in response to a report published by the website Northeast News, which claimed the commander had returned to Bangladesh and been removed from his post following complaints allegedly made against him.
Report cited alleged complaints
According to the report, Minhazul Alam returned to Dhaka on 4 September, initially on what was described as a three-day period of personal leave.
The publication alleged that written complaints had been submitted by his aide-de-camp and another officer regarding his conduct.
It also referred to claims of inappropriate or harsh treatment of subordinates and issues related to administrative arrangements.
No confirmation of investigation
However, the same report acknowledged that it did not have access to the full content of the alleged complaints.
It further stated that it could not confirm whether the United Nations had conducted a formal investigation or whether any disciplinary findings had been made.
UNFICYP's statement directly contradicts suggestions that the commander had been withdrawn from the Cyprus mission, maintaining that he remains in office and continues to carry out his responsibilities.
