Visa restrictions not to take sides on BD polls

The US State Department on Tuesday said the purpose of the visa restrictions against Bangladeshi individuals was not to take a side, but to ensure or support free, fair, and peaceful national elections in Bangladesh.

"I will say that, as we noted when we announced these new visa restrictions on Friday, they include members of law enforcement, the ruling party, and the political opposition," spokesperson Matthew Miller told a briefing at the State Department.

Asked about the concerns that such restrictions on media persons would harm press freedom, the spokeswoman said: "I think what we have said visa records are confidential … we have not announced the specific members or the specific individuals to which this will apply, but made it clear that they will apply to members of law enforcement, the ruling party, and the political opposition."

In response to another question, he expressed his unwillingness to comment on BNP's 48-hour ultimatum to the government for releasing their party chairperson and allow her to go abroad for advanced medical treatment.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com