US pledges to resolve students' visa problems

The United States has assured Bangladesh of addressing students' visa problems like getting appointments after a long delay.

Acting Foreign Secretary Rear Admiral (Rtd) Khorshed Alam said this after a meeting with visiting US Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Rena Bitter here on Sunday.

Talking to the reporters after the meeting, he said the US officials said the US Embassy in Dhaka has been successful in addressing the problems through relentless efforts.

"We have also told them about the visa problems of Bangladeshis working in the international organizations. They will also resolve it," Mr Alam said.

Responding to a question, he said the issue of 'visa restrictions' was not discussed at all in the meeting.

Ms Rena arrived in Dhaka on Saturday, ending her Pakistan visit from September 25-30, and met with the embassy and consulate staff as well as observed the consular operations. She also met with the government officials here to discuss the consular issues.

"Her trip underscores our deep and sustained commitment to the protection of US citizens overseas and the facilitation of legitimate travel and immigration to the United States," said a spokesperson at the US Embassy in Dhaka.

The acting foreign secretary of Bangladesh said the US wants voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas.

"We told them that we also want the same but the world community must understand the trouble we are facing," he said, pointing out the rising criminal activities in the Rohingya camps.

"We do not face any situation which will show that we made a mistake by providing them shelters on humanitarian ground," he added.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com