The United States has announced a new visa policy with the aim of holding free, fair and peaceful national elections in Bangladesh. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that under this policy, restrictions will be placed on issuing visas to those responsible and their family members if Bangladesh does not hold free and fair elections.
He announced this in a statement on Wednesday (May 24).
"Today, I am announcing a new visa policy in support of free and fair elections," the US Secretary of State said in a tweet. Under this policy, we can impose visa restrictions on individuals and family members who obstruct democratic elections, if they are involved in undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh.
Those subject to visa restrictions include former and current officials/employees of Bangladesh, members of pro-government and opposition political parties, and members of the law enforcement agencies, judiciary and security forces.
The US Secretary of State said, 'Free and fair elections are the responsibility of everyone, including voters, political parties, government, security forces, civil society and the media. I announce this policy to extend our support to all those who want to advance democracy in Bangladesh.
The statement mentioned that the United States informed the Bangladesh government about this decision on May 3.