US visa policy: More critical than sanctions

Al Mamun Harun Ur Rashid :
The recent unveiling of the US visa policy has sent shockwaves through the halls of power in the incumbent government, serving as a stern reminder of the pressing need to safeguard a truly democratic and transparent electoral process.

The policy leaves no stone unturned, unequivocally condemning actions that undermine the very foundation of democracy – vote rigging, voter intimidation, violence curbing freedom of association and peaceful assembly, and measures impeding the dissemination of political parties, voters, civil society, and the media.
It represents a sweeping oversight that encompasses every organ, institution, and individual in the country, signaling a far more significant concern than mere sanctions on certain bodies or personages.

This policy indisputably asserts that the legitimacy of the parliamentary election will directly be evaluated and endorsed by the United States. It serves as a resounding warning to the Awami League government that victory achieved without ensuring a transparent electoral process will face not only visa restrictions but also a range of consequential measures, given that the United States stands as a primary destination for Bangladeshi exports.
However, the gravity of the situation extends far beyond the government alone, casting a wide net that ensnares various stakeholders including the opposition. Transparency and accountability now stand as imperatives for the judiciary, security services, and law enforcement agencies such as the police, RAB, BGB, and Ansar, as well as the Election Commission. Even the families of politicians, bureaucrats, police officers, and judiciary members will face the repercussions of this visa policy if any individual undermines the sanctity of the electoral process.
When the United States takes any action, its impact extends beyond its own borders, as countries like Canada and various European nations often take it as a precedent. This underscores the seriousness of the situation, as it raises concerns that Bangladeshi individuals may encounter comparable visa restrictions when attempting to enter other countries.
Thus, the policy holds both symbolic and practical significance, urging the government to take the decisive measures to uphold democratic values and ensure a level playing field for all political actors.

The Election Commission, entrusted with the responsibility of organising and overseeing elections, must demonstrate unwavering transparency and independence. It must bolster its capacity to address allegations of misconduct, and promote public confidence in the electoral process.
Personnel involved in election duty, including the administration, police, RAB, BGB, and Ansar, also bear the responsibility of upholding transparency and impartiality throughout the electoral cycle. Their actions must adhere to the highest standards of professionalism, fostering a secure environment for citizens to exercise their democratic rights without fear and hindrance.

Apart from the domestic affairs, the implementation of visa restrictions could strain diplomatic relations between the two countries, particularly if the Bangladeshi government perceives it as unwarranted interference in its internal affairs.
Nonetheless, the visa policy serves as a powerful deterrent, instilling fear among individuals who may consider undermining the democratic process. The prospect of being barred from entering the United States is bound to give potential wrongdoers pause for thought.
Furthermore, the visa policy’s focus on current and former Bangladeshi officials, political party members, and law enforcement personnel implies that individuals from these sectors will face heightened scrutiny when seeking visas. This scrutiny has the potential to curtail their mobility and international engagements.
Moreover, the visa policy’s announcement may tarnish the government’s international perception and reputation, particularly regarding its commitment to democratic principles. The Bangladeshi government’s response and its dedication to addressing the concerns raised will shape how the international community including the United Nations and the European Union views its allegiance to democratic values and the rule of law.

To effectively confront the challenges underscored by the visa policy, the government must adopt robust measures to enhance transparency and accountability. First and foremost, the establishment of mechanisms that foster an environment of openness and trust is paramount. This entails enacting comprehensive electoral reforms, fortifying laws against electoral misconduct, and creating an independent body responsible for monitoring and investigating allegations of irregularities.
Equally crucial is granting the media the freedom to operate without intimidation or censorship, enabling them to play their indispensable role in upholding transparency and accountability within the electoral process.

Moreover, it is imperative that the government immediately ceases all arbitrary and unwarranted ‘draconian’ laws including Digital Security Act as a tool to suppress journalists without undertaking a thorough and impartial investigation.
Civil society organisations and non-governmental entities, acting as vigilant watchdogs, hold the key to monitoring the electoral process, advocating for democratic values, and ensuring all actors are held answerable.
Last but not least, fair elections lie at the very core of any democratic system, providing citizens with a platform to express their voice, choose their representatives, and actively contribute to the governance of their nation.

Without fair elections, democracy is but an empty shell, eroding public trust, delegitimising elected bodies, and undermining the very fabric of our democratic framework. It is incumbent upon the government to heed the call for reform and seize this opportunity to rebuild trust, restore faith in the electoral process, and reaffirm its commitment to democratic ideals. The eyes of the world are upon Bangladesh, waiting to see how it responds to this crucial test presented by the US visa policy.

(The writer is Diplomatic Correspondent, The New Nation).