US visa restrictions aim at free, fair polls in Bangladesh: Miller
Staff Reporter :
The United States has said that the purpose of the visa restrictions is not to take sides in Bangladesh’s election, but to ensure and support free, fair and peaceful parliamentary polls.
“We have said previously, the purpose was not to take a side in an election in Bangladesh, but to ensure or to support free, fair, and peaceful national elections,” US State Department Spokesperson Mathew Miller said in Washington on Monday.
He further said that the new visa restrictions imposed on Friday include both members of law enforcement, the ruling party, and the political opposition.
Miller said all these in response to a question of one journalist who asked – last week the US government announced visa restrictions on Bangladeshi individuals responsible for undermining the democratic elections in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh’s prime minister responded to this decision by saying in case of any move to thwart elections from outside, indicating the US, Bangladesh will also impose restrictions on those who will take such initiative.
Besides, foreign minister has said the US has given assurance that there will be no sanction before elections.
So is that true, and what is your reaction to that? Miller clearly stated that the purpose was not to take a side in an election in Bangladesh, but to ensure or to support free, fair, and peaceful national elections.
The spokesperson was asked another question that Bangladesh’s main opposition party gave a 48-hour ultimatum to the government to release their party chairperson and allow her to go abroad for advanced medical treatment, as her medical condition is very serious, and she is under arrest and hospitalised, this 78-years-old former prime minister. So what is your stance on the release of the former prime minister?
Miller, however, said, “I just don’t have any comment on that.”
In another question that the US Ambassador in Bangladesh mentioned on 24th September about the inclusion of media persons in the new visa restriction which has raised huge concern.
Don’t you think this sanction, if applied to the media, would undermine the US call to stand for human rights, freedom of speech, and freedom of press?
Miller said, “Visa records are confidential – we have not announced the specific members or the specific individuals to which this will apply, but it made clear that they will apply to members of law enforcement, the ruling party, and the political opposition.”
Meanwhile, The announcement has garnered mixed reactions within Bangladesh, with some viewing it as a positive step towards ensuring electoral integrity, while others see it as foreign interference in the nation’s internal affairs.
As Bangladesh prepares for its upcoming national elections, the US government’s actions will undoubtedly remain a topic of discussion, both domestically and internationally.
The focus now turns to how these visa restrictions will impact the political landscape in Bangladesh and whether they will contribute to the desired goal of free and fair elections in the country, analysts said.
