Immediate family members also to be denied US visa for undermining polls in Bangladesh: Assistant State Secretary Lu

US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu has clarified that the US government's intent is not to impose sanctions, but rather to implement a new visa policy emphasising that it would enable visa restrictions to be imposed on individuals and their immediate family members if they are found responsible for or complicit in undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh.

Speaking on Channel I's Tritio Matra, a renowned political talk show in Bangladesh, Lu assured that this policy would be impartially applied to members of both the ruling and opposition parties.

Addressing concerns, Lu stressed that the US government remains neutral in elections, devoid of support for any specific party or candidate. He emphasised their support solely for a free and fair democratic process. Lu, who previously visited Bangladesh in January, acknowledged the potential queries surrounding the new policy but assured that the decision was made constructively and positively.

The objective is to contribute to ongoing dialogues in Bangladesh and collaborate with the government, opposition, and civil society to create an environment conducive to free and fair elections in the upcoming year.

The new visa policy, announced on Wednesday, underscores the importance of defending democracy as a crucial element for Bangladesh to continue progressing as a leader in South Asia and globally, according to Lu. Notably, immediate family members, including spouses and children, will also be subject to these visa restrictions.

Lu clarified that the policy is yet to be enforced on any specific individuals, as the Secretary of State's announcement merely introduced the policy. The restrictions will be applicable to individuals involved in voter intimidation, vote rigging, denial of free speech or freedom of assembly, and acts of violence seeking to undermine the integrity of elections. Both those giving and receiving orders to carry out such actions would be ineligible for a US visa.

When questioned about potential retaliation due to the withdrawal of additional police escort by the Bangladeshi government, Lu categorically denied any such intentions. He affirmed that advanced notice about the policy had been communicated to the Bangladeshi government on 3 May, long before their decision to withdraw police escort on 14 May. Lu emphasised that the US government's decisions are not driven by retaliation.

Lu further emphasised that the policy is forward-looking, aiming to prevent violence and promote a free and fair election in Bangladesh in the upcoming year. The United States considers itself a friend of Bangladesh, supporting the efforts of the prime minister and her government, civil society, and the Bangladeshi people to ensure a truly democratic election. Lu expressed the significance of Bangladesh to the United States, highlighting the strong bonds between the people, educational institutions, and companies of both nations.

The promotion of democracy worldwide remains a core principle of the Biden-Harris administration, with Bangladesh being recognised as a true democracy deserving of free and fair elections. Lu expressed hope that this election would mark a joyous era for Bangladesh, celebrating the country's accomplishments, both economic and political, by conducting an election that surpasses all previous ones.