US ‘heartened’ by Bangladesh govt’s response to new visa policy

Diplomatic Correspondent: The US Department of State has said it was “heartened” that the Bangladesh government welcomed its decision to impose visa restrictions on those who undermine the democratic election process in Bangladesh.

“I will say that we were heartened by the announcement from the government yesterday that welcomed the steps that we took,” Matthew Miller, Spokesperson of the US Department of State, said this while speaking at a regular press briefing held on Thursday at the State Department.

“We believe that democracy is the most enduring means to advance peace, prosperity, and security … We look forward to working with the Bangladeshi government going forward.”

He said that he was not going to speak to what any political party within Bangladesh should or should not do. “I will say that the United States’ interest in this question is in support of free and fair and peaceful elections. That’s why we announced the new policy that we did yesterday,” said the Spokesperson.

Miller further said “I’m not going to speak to what any political party within Bangladesh should or should not do. I will say that the United States’ interest in this question is in support of free and fair and peaceful elections. That’s why we announced the new policy that we did yesterday.”