US starts applying visa curbs on BD individuals

The US Department of State has started applying visa restrictions on Bangladeshi individuals responsible or involved in undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh
"Today, the Department of State is taking steps to impose visa restrictions on Bangladeshi individuals responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh," said a press statement issued by US Department of state spokesperson Matthew Miller on Friday.
These individuals include members of law-enforcement agencies, the ruling party, and the political opposition, according to the statement.
It said the United States was committed to supporting free and fair elections in Bangladesh that should be carried out in a peaceful manner.
"These persons and members of their immediate family may be found ineligible for entry into the United States. Additional persons found to have been responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh may also be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy in the future," said the statement.
The persons include current and former Bangladeshi officials, members of opposition and ruling political parties, and members of law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and security services, it mentioned.
"Our actions today reflect the continued commitment of the United States to supporting Bangladesh's goal of peacefully holding free and fair national elections, and to support those seeking to advance democracy globally," the statement said.
Earlier, on May 24, 2023 the US Department of State in a statement announced its new visa policy to promote Democratic Elections in Bangladesh.
The statement issued by Secretary Antony J. Blinken said: "Today, I am announcing a new visa policy under Section 212(a)(3)(C) ("3C") of the Immigration and Nationality Act to support Bangladesh's goal of holding free, fair, and peaceful national elections.

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