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US visa ban decision against some Bangladeshi nationals including politicians and government officials.
The visa ban was announced in a statement by US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.
The United States has announced the initiation of a visa ban against some Bangladeshi nationals accused of being responsible or involved in obstructing Bangladesh's democratic election process.
A press release from the US State Department announced the decision to ban visas on Friday.
Although the notification did not mention anyone by name, it is said that those who have been banned are current and former officials of Bangladesh, members of the ruling and opposition political parties, members of law enforcement, members of the judiciary and members of the security agencies.
The press release said, 'Today the Department of Foreign Affairs is taking steps to impose visa restrictions on some Bangladeshi nationals who have undermined the democratic electoral process of Bangladesh or are responsible for it. These individuals include members of law enforcement agencies, ruling political parties and political opposition parties'.
Family members of individuals subject to visa restrictions may not be considered eligible for entry into the United States, the notice states.
It is also said that in the future, if any other individuals are accused of undermining the democratic electoral process of Bangladesh or being involved in it, they may also fall under the same visa policy.
It said, “Our action today reflects our support for the goal of holding peaceful, free and fair national elections in Bangladesh. At the same time, this step also supports those who want to advance democracy around the world”.
Earlier, the United States had announced a new visa policy for Bangladesh on May 25 this year.
It was then said that under this policy, the United States would be able to impose visa restrictions on any Bangladeshi who is responsible for disrupting the democratic election process - or who appears to have attempted to do so. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken made the announcement.
This policy had a great influence on the political environment of Bangladesh at that time and gave birth to discussions in the political field.
After that, there was a visible change in the political situation and the opposition parties started getting the opportunity to hold regular political meetings.
However, due to this, a strong reaction was expressed from the ruling Awami League. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina herself reacted angrily.
Even in an interview with the BBC, he expressed the heat that "America may not want to see him in power".
Earlier, in December 2021, the United States Department of Finance imposed sanctions on Bangladesh's RAB and some of its officials for 'involvement in serious human rights violations'.
However, since the announcement of the visa policy, the United States has started visible activities regarding the upcoming elections in Bangladesh.
Many of the top officials of the country's foreign office have come to Dhaka and discussed with various parties including the government and opposition parties.
Under the pressure of the United States, the European Parliament recently adopted a resolution on Bangladesh, where apart from human rights, it also raised the question of whether it is logical to continue free market facilities (EBA) for Bangladesh by bringing up the context of Bangladesh's democracy and elections. Bangladesh products get GSP or duty free benefits as part of this facility. Bangladesh's manufactured garment sector is a major beneficiary.
Then on Thursday, the Election Commission in Dhaka said that the European Union (EU) has assured them that it will not send a full observation team for the parliamentary elections in Bangladesh.
As a result, doubts have arisen whether the twelfth parliamentary election will be attended by observers from Western countries.
However, the US Embassy spokesperson said on Thursday that the US pre-election observation team will come to Dhaka in the first week of October.
Their report will determine whether the United States will send a full observer team to the election.
Source-BBC
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