US starts imposing visa restrictions on Bangladeshis undermining election
Online desk: The United States has said it is taking steps to impose visa restrictions on individuals involved in undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh.
In a press statement, Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson of the US Department of State on Friday (September 22, 2023) said: “Today, the Department of State is taking steps to impose visa restrictions on Bangladeshi individuals responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh.
These individuals include members of law enforcement, the ruling party, and the political opposition.
These persons and members of their immediate family may be found ineligible for entry into the United States.
“This includes current and former Bangladeshi officials, members of opposition and ruling political parties, and members of law enforcement, the judiciary, and security services,” Miller said.
“Our actions today reflect the continued commitment of the United States to supporting Bangladesh’s goal of peacefully holding free and fair national elections, and to support those seeking to advance democracy globally,” he said.
US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken on May 24 this year announced a new visa policy to support Bangladesh’s goal of holding free, fair, and peaceful national elections.
Under this policy, the United States will restrict the issuance of visas for any Bangladeshi individual, believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh.
