US visa curbs: Who said what
Bangladesh won't let polls be compromised: foreign ministry
"We believe Bangladesh is a true democracy that deserves to have free and fair elections."
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Taking note of the new US visa policy, the foreign ministry yesterday said Bangladesh appreciates that the international community, including the US, firmly stands by the prime minister's commitment to ensure free and fair elections.
The ministry said the government would like to view the announcement in the broader context of the US government's unequivocal commitment to free and fair elections at all levels.
The government apparatus would take necessary measures to prevent and address any unlawful practice or interference by any individual, group or entity, which can compromise elections, the ministry said in a statement.
The electoral process will remain under strict vigilance and international observers would be there too, said the statement.
The government expects that the local undemocratic forces that resort to violence, arson, and destruction would remain cautious and refrain from their misguided efforts to jeopardise the electoral process, it said.
"Those who set fire to buses, vandalise those in the name of movement ahead of the election are engaged in political violence, and so they are the ones who will be in trouble."
"It is entirely up to the people of Bangladesh to sustain the hard-earned democratic process, political stability, and development gains in the country," the statement read.
It said the electoral reform process in Bangladesh continues in a consultative manner involving all stakeholders concerned.
The statement said that the entire executive machinery would remain at the disposal of the Election Commission to help it discharge its responsibilities.
Talking to reporters, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said there is no reason to worry over the new US visa policy.
"The US move has sent a message that the people of Bangladesh can't exercise their right to franchise and their constitutional rights have been taken away."
He said the government was not under any additional pressure from the US and termed the relationship with the US "excellent".
Momen said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wants free and fair elections and this policy will further strengthen her position.
BNP, JP WELCOME US POLICY
US Ambassador Peter Haas had a meeting with key Awami League, BNP, and Jatiya Party leaders at his home yesterday.
The BNP and the JP leaders welcomed the US move afterwards and the AL leaders did not make any comments.
AL's information and research affairs secretary Selim Mahmud and central committee member Mohammad A Arafat, BNP's standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and international affairs secretary Shama Obaid, JP Secretary General Mujibul Haque Chunnu, and praesidium member Major (retd) Rana Mohammad Sohel were present at the meeting.
Khasru hoped that the new US policy would play a supporting role in ensuring free, fair and credible elections.
"We welcome this decision of the US as it was made considering the concerns of the people of Bangladesh over the election," he said, adding that there was no reason for the BNP to be worried since it is not involved in election rigging.
The US move has sent the message that the people of Bangladesh cannot exercise their right to franchise and their constitutional rights have been taken away, he said.
The ruling party should be worried about their future if they again indulge in vote rigging instead of restoring people's voting and democratic rights, Khasru said.
The JP secretary general said, "The US visa policy on Bangladesh suggests that the US wants fair and competitive elections in Bangladesh. Our party also agrees with this stance."
Speaking to journalists at Dhaka University, AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader said the government will facilitate and extend all-out cooperation to the Election Commission for a neutral general election.
People, who set fire to buses, resort to vandalism in the name of movement ahead of elections, and are engaged in political violence, will be in trouble because of the new US policy, he added.
Awami League presidium member and Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzaque said, "We're not afraid of it … our stance is clear. By no means we will do anything that thwarts the democratic process. We'll not do anything that deprives our people from getting visas."
Asked, Election Commissioner Md Alamgir said these are inter-state matters. "It is our duty to do whatever is necessary to hold free and fair elections," he said.
At Channel i's Tritiyo Matra programme aired Wednesday night, US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu said their view is that the defence of democracy is both necessary and essential for Bangladesh to continue to move forward as a leader in South Asia and around the world.
He said the new US visa policy will be implemented in a way that is fair and constructive. These restrictions would apply both to those giving orders and those taking orders for acts of violence, voter intimidation, or vote rigging.
Lu said, "…We believe Bangladesh is a true democracy that deserves to have free and fair elections."
He said they want the new policy to contribute to the dialogue in Bangladesh and efforts by everyone -- the government, opposition, civil society -- to create the environment for a free and fair election.
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