US taking steps to impose visa restrictions on Bangladeshis

ZOOMBANGLA DESK: The United States Department of States today said it 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,” said State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller in a statement today.

He said the US is committed to supporting free and fair elections in Bangladesh that are carried out in a peaceful manner.

These persons and members of their immediate family may be found ineligible for entry into the United States, Miller said.

“Additional persons found to have been responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh may also be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy in the future,” he added in the statement.

The spokesperson said this includes current and former Bangladeshi officials, members of opposition and ruling political parties, and members of law enforcement, the judiciary, and security services.

“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,” Miller said.

In May this year, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced this new visa policy under Section 212(a)(3)(C) (“3C”) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to support Bangladesh’s goal of holding free, fair, and peaceful national elections.