Bangladesh Elections: What does USA‍‍`s new visa policy mean for Bangladesh?

The U.S. authority on May 24 announced new visa policy related to Bangladesh under its Immigration and Nationality Act’s section 212 (a)(3)(C) (“3C”).

U.S. Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken said, “U.S. won’t grant visa to Bangladeshis or their family members, if anyone involved in vote rigging. The U.S. informed the Bangladeshi government of this choice on May 3.”

He also added that the policy is to support Bangladesh’s goal of holding free, fair, and peaceful national elections.

Reactions

Largest opposition BNP’s Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said, “The US action has sent a message that people in Bangladesh cannot exercise their voting rights."

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir echoed with him saying “US visa policy reflects public demand for restoration of voting rights.”

However, being in a neutral position, Jatiya Party Secretary General Mujibul Haque Chunnu said, “Our party also agrees with U.S. stance.”

In the meantime, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh stated, “The country won‍‍`t let polls be compromised.”

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said, “Awami League led government is not under any additional pressure from the US.”

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam added, “U.S. government’s new visa policy does not bother Bangladesh government.”

Meanwhile, ruling party General Secretary Obaidul Quader said, “Government will extend all-out cooperation to the Election Commission for a neutral general election.”

Addressing BNP, Quader, also Minister of Road Transport and Bridges said, “Government will resist any attempt of obstructing elections.”

Awami League presidium member and Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzaque remarked, “We are not afraid of it… We’ll not do anything that deprives our people from getting visas.”

However, Election Commissioner Md Alamgir said, “It is our duty to do whatever is necessary to hold free and fair elections.”

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu also remarked in front of a private TV talk show, “New visa policy will be carried out fairly, equally toward opposition, government.”

U.S. Ambassador in Dhaka Peter Haas said that latest policy is to support PM Sheikh Hasina and Bangladeshi people’s efforts to hold a free and fair election.

Background

U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh advised US citizens in Bangladesh to move with caution ahead of national polls. The caution issued a day after BNP-Police clash in Khulna and Rangpur which left at least 25 injured.

Bangladesh withdrew a special police escort on May 15 that had been provided to the ambassadors of the US, UK, Saudi Arabia, and India for a number of years.

Bangladeshi authorities announced that the embassies, residences, and clubs of foreign diplomats would continue to receive routine police protection.

On May 1, PM Sheikh Hasina told Voice of America, “Militants are encouraged by US ban on Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).”

During a parliament session PM Hasina on April 10 said that U.S. can overturn power of any nation if it wants. She also added, “They speak against corruption but in reality, are advocating on behalf of those convicted in corruption.”

Derek Chollet, the US State Department counselor had expressed concerns about previous elections in Bangladesh on February 15. 

The tension between the government and the U.S. began in December 2021, when the U.S. imposed sanctions against Bangladesh’s elite force RAB and some of its officers.

On May 25, 2023, within a day after announcement of new U.S. visa policy, Gazipur City Corporation election has been conducted. The largest municipality in the country watched almost 49% voter turnout.

No incident of violence or vote rigging was being reported at that local election. Ruling party backed mayoral candidate Azmat Ullah Khan lost to Zayeda Khatun. Zayeda was an independent candidate who is the mother of expelled ex-city mayor Jahangir. 

In the meantime, British newspaper The Economist featured PM Hasina as “Asia’s iron lady” who is “expected to win upcoming election”.

The real interest of the U.S. is geopolitical and all these ‘showing off moves’ are made to keep Bangladesh away from China, a BBC report stated quoting a specialist. 

Political analysts and Awami League leaders opined that no matter what heated comments are passing. It will not have much impact on the diplomatic relations between the two countries. 

Amid all these, U.S. company ExxonMobil is going to get deep-sea oil and gas exploration job from Bangladesh government.