Lt Gen Moeen also said corrupt politicians smuggled their money overseas, including at least Tk 20,000 crore smuggled off shore from the energy sector alone.

He made the observations at a tea party he hosted at the National Parade Square in honour of the Freedom Fighters Contingent which had taken part in the national parade on the first anniversary of independence.

"In the 36 years since independence, politicians have not given us anything good. They have even failed to give due recognition to the national leaders," said Moeen.

"Think about it, we haven't even given recognition to the father of the nation," said Moeen referring to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

"The country was divided by the politicians' in-fighting, while they indulged in corrupt practices," the general said adding, "Wherever we look, we are finding examples of unbridled corruption."

He said the government is thinking of recovering the smuggled money.

"Politicians have engaged in widespread looting in the last few years. There was political influence even in the Election Commission and the Public Service Commission," said the army chief adding, "Starting from pilfering relief materials, the last government engaged in all sorts of corruption."

He proposed to build a hospital for the poor by auctioning off the confiscated luxury cars of corrupt politicians and businessmen.

When someone from the audience demanded that the war criminals be prosecuted, the army chief said he will raise it in government circles.

Moeen also stressed that the armed forces are only assisting the government to fight corruption, restore order and to pave the way for holding free, fair and credible elections. But he insisted that the army is not running the country.

He said, "After the proclamation of the state of emergency, I told the inspector general of police that I don't want to see anybody doing any harm or torch a single garment factory."

"Have a look, because of this single instruction, nobody dared to do anything destructive even after two months," he said.

Speaking on the occasion, the first army chief of the country Lt Gen (retd) KM Shafiullah lauded the current role of the armed forces and asked for the assistance of the army in reinstating the 'correct history' by declaring Bangbandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman the 'father of the nation'.

Maj Gen (retd) Syed Md Ibrahim called for creation of a list of wartime collaborators, while Lt Gen (retd) Mir Shawkat Ali, and Maj (retd) Rafiq expressed their support for the army.

Awami League cultural secretary and former lawmaker Asaduzzaman Noor called for ensuring financial assistance to freedom fighters.

ISPR in a press release said commanders of different sectors during the liberation war, and freedom fighters including Parade Commander of the Freedom Fighters Contingent Mir M Asalat attended the reception organised by the 9th Infantry Division.

High civil and military officials, including GOC of the 9th Infantry Division Maj Gen Masududdin Chowdhury were also present at the reception among others.