US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a new visa policy for Bangladesh that will deny travel to those suspected of disrupting the South Asian country’s January 2024 elections. Blinken announced the new policy on Wednesday. under the Immigration and Nationality Act to support the goal of holding free, fair and peaceful national elections in Bangladesh. “Under this policy, the United States can impose a visa ban on any Bangladeshi citizen that it believes may impede the democratic conduct of elections in Bangladesh,” he said.

Blinken said current and former Bangladeshi civil servants, members of pro-government and opposition political parties, members of law enforcement agencies, the judiciary and security services could all come under the scope of the new policy. . According to a statement issued by the US State Department, the US conveyed this decision to the Bangladeshi government on May 3. Blinken said it is the responsibility of voters, political parties, the government, security forces, civil society and the media to conduct free and fair elections.

He said: “I am announcing this policy to extend my support to all those who are striving to promote democracy in Bangladesh.” Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Dr. AK De. Abdul Momen told media in Dhaka on Thursday that the US warning on visa restrictions against those who try to disrupt free and fair elections in the country is useful for the commitment of the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “The new US policy has strengthened our (government) position to hold free and fair elections,” Momen said.

“The policy is good, there is nothing to worry about,” he said, adding that he has not put any additional pressure on the Bangladeshi government. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh’s main opposition, is waging a campaign aimed at restoring a partyless interim government for elections. The BNP claims that no election can be free under the rule of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The BNP has also vowed not to participate in any elections under the current Awami League-led government.

Disclaimer:Prabhasakshi has not edited this news. This news has been published from PTI-language feed.