Photo: Collected
Announcement of the latest United States of America’s visa policy has sparked intense discussions in the political landscape of Bangladesh – thereby prompting the parties concerned to sit in talks and make quick reactions.
While the US policy aims to deny visas to Bangladeshi individuals who may pose a threat to the upcoming national elections scheduled to be held later this year, tensions within the country's political arena have been heated up due to the latest change in American visa policy as the next general elections draw nearer.
Quite surprisingly though, the decision has garnered widespread approval from all three major political parties in the country – ruling Awami League, its main rival Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and main opposition in parliament Jatiya Party.
The newly implemented visa policy has been hailed as a significant step towards strengthening democracy and ensuring a free, fair, and credible national election, which is scheduled to take place later this year. With all major parties expressing their support, it demonstrates a unified commitment to upholding democratic principles in Bangladesh.
The ruling party, Awami League, has unequivocally expressed its dedication to conducting a transparent and unbiased election. They have pledged decisive action against any individuals or groups attempting to disrupt the democratic process.
In light of this commitment, the Awami League welcomes the U.S. government's new visa policy, viewing it as an endorsement of their own efforts to establish a level playing field during the electoral process.
The visa policy's primary objective is to deny entry to potential troublemakers, thereby eliminating any obstacles that could hinder the fair conduct of the national election. This approach aligns with the Awami League's vision of creating an environment conducive to a transparent and impartial electoral system.
The BNP and Jatiya Party, the other two significant political parties in Bangladesh, have also voiced their support for the new visa policy. Recognizing the importance of fair elections, both parties believe that this policy will contribute to creating a conducive atmosphere for democratic practices and ensure that the election process remains free from interference.
Talking over the issue, Foreign Minister Dr. A K Abdul Momen has reassured that the recent visa policy introduced by the US is not causing additional pressure on the country.
He views the US visa policy as supportive of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's commitment to credible elections. Speaking at a press briefing, Momen emphasized that the visa policy aligns with the government's dedication and efforts to organize transparent and impartial polls.
He stated, "They [the US] have done their job, now we will do ours," emphasizing that there is no extra pressure on the Bangladesh government.
Talking over the issue, Agriculture Minister Dr Md Abdur Razzaque today said the new US visa policy is applicable to all as Washington has issued a warning against turbulence centring the polls.
"The US visa restriction has been issued for Bangladeshis who will undermine the elections," he told reporters at his ministry here, an official release said.
The minister said, "The government is not worried about the new visa policy of the USA... this visa policy is also applicable to BNP."
Meanwhile, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas held a meeting with representatives of Awami League, BNP, and Jatiya Party at his residence in the capital to discuss the US new visa policy.
The BNP has expressed appreciation for the U.S. visa policy, hoping that it will contribute to upholding fair elections in Bangladesh. The party sees this move as a supportive measure to safeguard the democratic principles of the nation's electoral system.
BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru stated, "We welcome this decision of the US as it was made considering the concern of the people of Bangladesh over the next general elections. I think this step will at least play a supporting role in holding the next polls in a fair and credible manner."
Jatiya Party (JP-Ershad), another influential political party, has echoed the sentiments of the Awami League and the BNP. They expressed gratitude to the U.S. government for implementing the new visa policy, emphasizing that it will contribute to a more robust democratic process in the country.
US Ambassador Peter Haas mentioned that the newly announced visa policy is the US' way of helping the democratic electoral process in Bangladesh. He expressed support for free and fair elections, stating that the visa policy to restrict visas to those who undermine the democratic process applies to everyone.
TDM/NM
