The United Nations has denied a report claiming that Lieutenant General Mohammad Asadullah Minhazul Alam of Bangladesh, commander of the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), is leaving his post.
Mission spokesperson Aleem Siddique told Sigmalive that Minhazul Alam continues to carry out his duties and responsibilities in the mission as normal, and remains Force Commander of UNFICYP. “For the avoidance of any doubt, Lieutenant General Minhazul Alam remains Force Commander of UNFICYP,” he said.
UNFICYP’s response comes after a report by Northeast News claimed the commander was withdrawn following written complaints about his conduct towards mission officers.
The disputed claims
According to the report, at the centre of the case are complaints reportedly filed by his aide-de-camp and one other mission officer, concerning “improper” and “harsh” conduct by the commander towards his aide-de-camp, a matter the same sources say was brought before a UN medical or psychiatric service.
Northeast News says it lacks the full content of the complaints, and that it remains unclear which specific incidents the officers cite, whether the UN carried out a formal investigation, whether Minhazul Alam was asked to respond, or whether any disciplinary finding has been made against him.
The report also refers to separate, undetailed complaints concerning administrative facilities or privileges the officer reportedly requested or secured, with no indication that any official decision has been issued on that aspect. The outlet assesses that the written complaint over his conduct toward subordinate officers was what brought the matter to a head, a case it says carries particular weight given his position as UNFICYP’s senior military officer.
Northeast News says key questions remain unanswered, including the exact content and timing of the complaints, whether a formal UN investigation took place, and the reasons behind his departure from Cyprus.
The outlet itself stresses that, until the complaints or any investigation findings are made public, the allegations should be treated as unproven.
