Govt hopes US visa curbs won't be imposed arbitrarily: Shahriar

State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam said on Wednesday that the government anticipates the visa restrictions set by the US administration against Bangladeshi individuals will not be applied arbitrarily.

"They have announced their policy and we have accepted it in good spirit, but we hope that they will not implement it arbitrarily," the state minister said while talking to reporters at the foreign ministry.

While responding to a question, the state minister said the general public need not worry about the imposition of the visa restrictions.

He noted that the State Department's announcement has made it clear that only individuals who impede the process of holding free and fair elections will face restrictions.

So general people should not be worried and there is always a process for scrutiny before issuing visa, he reminded.

He also mentioned that this year till August, the number of visits to the US by Bangladeshis is higher than in any previous period.

The state minister also acknowledged concerns among many that the visa restrictions might affect press freedom.

He hoped that the US government would refrain from taking any step that would harm press freedom.

Responding to another question regarding whether the foreign ministry will enhance communications with the US government to address any misunderstandings between the two countries in line with parliamentary standing committee guidelines, the state minister said the ministry respects the recommendations of the parliamentary committee.

Meanwhile, while speaking with reporters in the USA, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said the bilateral ties between the USA and Bangladesh are very sweet and warm, but a section of people attempt to sow discord in the relationship by spreading false propaganda against the government.

He urged expatriate Bangladeshis to counter this propaganda, emphasising that both the US and Bangladesh uphold common values such as democratic norms and human rights.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com