Bangladesh
New visa policy merely to support democratic electoral process: Ambassador Haas.

New visa policy merely to support democratic electoral process: Ambassador Haas

Bangladesh

Daily Bangla Times: US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Thursday said the newly announced visa policy was “merely their way of helping” to support democratic electoral process in Bangladesh.

He made the remarks while talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after his meeting with Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen.

Ambassador Haas said they have discussed the new visa policy, among other issues, noting that this is something they have done in support of Bangladeshi people, Bangladesh government and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina herself and everyone here in Bangladesh who support a free and fair election. Read more: Nothing to worry about new US visa policy; don't want arson, violence: Momen

He said the meeting with FM Momen was part of the regular series of meetings that they have. “We talked about US-Bangladesh relations, our growing relationship across a whole number of areas.”

Earlier, the US ambassador met the representatives of the major political parties and discussed the new US visa policy. Representatives of the Awami League, Bangladesh Nationalist Party, and Jatiya Party were present. “We support free and fair elections. The new visa policy to restrict visas to those who undermine the democratic process applies to everyone," said Ambassador Haas.