Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen hopes US visa policy will prevent a fire attack

Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen hoped that the new US visa policy would put an end to arson attacks and violence in Bangladesh surrounding the upcoming general election.

"We want to stop arson attacks...if it (US visa policy) stops arson attacks, that would be a blessing," he told reporters after attending a program at the city's International Mother Language Institute auditorium.

The foreign minister stated that the leaders of political parties involved in arson attacks must remain vigilant.

"You know who committed the arson attack. Their leadership must exercise caution," he added.

The foreign minister stated that the new visa policy poses no cause for concern because it supports Prime Minister Hasina's pledge to hold free and fair elections in Bangladesh.

"Who takes (US) visa? Some wealthy individuals and government officials accept it. "Those who are my political agents and who will work during elections do not apply for visas," said Momen.

Visas are obtained by some politicians, prominent businessmen, and civil society leaders whose sons and daughters study abroad and establish businesses there.

The foreign minister also hoped that the new visa policy would reduce money laundering.

The United States announced on Wednesday that it will restrict visas for Bangladeshis who undermine democratic elections, a preemptive warning indicating a clear fear of a rise in unrest during the upcoming elections anticipated to take place in early January 2024.
 

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated in a statement that the policy would enable the US to "restrict the issuance of visas for any Bangladeshi individual believed to be responsible for or complicit in undermining Bangladesh's democratic election process."

In a statement in response to the new US visa policy, the Foreign Ministry of Bangladesh expressed gratitude that the international community, including the United States, continues to support Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's commitment to free and fair elections.

The Foreign Ministry stated, "Bangladesh would like to view this announcement in the context of its government's unwavering commitment to holding free and fair elections at all levels in order to preserve the country's democratic process."