Although this new US visa policy is proving expedient, it would not be wise to believe that the country is intent on fostering democracy in Bangladesh.
Although their reasons are different, both the Awami League and BNP welcoming the new US visa policy is quite embarrassing for Bangladesh because, after all, it is the political parties that are responsible for this humiliating measure through their undemocratic behaviour and tendency to disrupt free and fair election processes.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said Bangladesh has been able to achieve remarkable socioeconomic development in the last 14 years due to a peaceful democratic environment in the country since 2008.
US visa restrictions: The US will impose visa restrictions on individuals and their immediate family members "if they are responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh".
Press Freedom in Bangladesh: Without press freedom, governments may censor or restrict information, preventing the public from receiving important information about their leaders and the policies they are enacting. Corruption, power abuse, and a decline of the public’s faith in government are all possible outcomes of a breakdown in accountability and transparency. The right to