The United States Takes Steps to Implement Visa Restrictions on Individuals from Bangladesh Associated with Election Interference
NORTH AMERICAPOLITICSSOUTH ASIA
He continued, "Basically, those with ties to the US related to trade and travel will be affected. Those without such ties need not worry about it. There's no reason to believe it will impact all processes."
The United States has imposed visa restrictions on people affiliated with the law enforcement agencies, the ruling party, and the political opposition in Bangladesh. These individuals are deemed to be involved in undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh. A press release from the US Department of State on Friday (September 22) mentioned that both these individuals and their immediate family members could face entry bans to the US. Furthermore, the statement suggests that more individuals involved in undermining elections may also become ineligible for US visas in the future under this policy.
The US has specified that this applies to present and past Bangladeshi authorities, individuals from opposition and governing political parties, and personnel from law enforcement, the judiciary, and security services.
The statement emphasized that these actions underscore the ongoing dedication of the United States to assist Bangladesh in achieving its objective of conducting peaceful, free, and equitable national elections.
Responding to a query, Assistant Secretary Lou clarified, "The [State] Department assesses an individual's disqualification under this policy through a comprehensive, well-documented, and carefully examined case-by-case assessment of reliable information concerning individuals who are undermining the democratic process in Bangladesh. We employ this procedure consistently and rigorously, irrespective of whether they belong to the government, opposition, or security services."
He also mentioned, "We will not disclose the names of individuals subjected to visa restrictions under this policy. Visa records, including individual visa denials, are confidential under US law."
Meanwhile, during a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, US Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya, expressed the US's desire for a free, fair, and violence-free election in Bangladesh.
The US decision comes just a day after the Election Commission announced that the European Union would not be sending observers for Bangladesh's upcoming national elections.
Back in May of this year, the US introduced a new visa policy for Bangladesh, which involved denying visas to individuals, from law enforcement officials to political leaders, believed to be responsible for or involved in undermining the democratic electoral process in Bangladesh.
Shortly after the announcement, Deputy Minister for Education Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel criticized the move as "hypocritical" on the social media platform X.
However, Humayun Kabir, former ambassador of Bangladesh to the US, mentioned, "I think there are both positive and negative aspects to this visa policy. If someone supports a fair election, they have no reason to be concerned. If someone creates obstacles, they will fall under the visa policy."
He continued, "Basically, those with ties to the US related to trade and travel will be affected. Those without such ties need not worry about it. There's no reason to believe it will impact all processes."
Regarding the effectiveness of the visa policy in case the elections lack participation, he stated, "It's not for us to say. They will apply the visa policy based on their assessment."
'Unlikely to Affect Regular Immigrants'
When the US announced the new visa policy in May, former election commissioner M. Sakhawat Hussain told TBS that the policy is unlikely to affect regular immigrants.
He explained that high-ranking officials of political parties and state entities like the administration and security forces, especially those directly involved in undermining free and fair elections, would be denied US visas.
"I believe this move isn't limited to just election day but also encompasses activities that contribute to the election atmosphere," the former commissioner remarked.
Furthermore, he pointed out that this policy would impact Bangladesh's reputation, noting that visa revocations might also affect visa applications to other countries.