Agriculture Minister Dr Md Abdur Razzque has said the new US visa policy is applicable to all as Washington has issued a warning against turbulence centring polls.
"The US visa restriction has been issued for Bangladeshis who will undermine elections," he told reporters at his ministry on Thursday, an official press release reads.
"The government is not worried about the new visa policy of the US... this visa policy is also applicable to the BNP."
It is not a restriction on any particular political party or individual, he said, adding that this change in the visa process is also applicable to the BNP as they “burned people, set fire to public transports and blocked ambulances carrying pregnant women.”
Razzaque said the new visa policy will discourage evil and unconstitutional forces who want to come to power without elections “in the Pakistani style.”
He said the United States wants to see a free, fair and acceptable election in Bangladesh. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has repeatedly said the upcoming general election will be held in a free, fair and credible manner, the minister added.
The next parliamentary election will be held through a democratic process, the minister said, adding: "The Election Commission will hold the election as per the constitution. The government will assist the Election Commission in holding a free, fair and acceptable election."
Earlier, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen met Agriculture Minister Dr Md Abdur Razzaque at his office at the Secretariat.
China expressed interest in setting up agricultural machinery factories and agro-industrial parks, Razzaque said, adding that agricultural technology cooperation centres will also be set up for imparting training and joint research for scientists.
The minister welcomed China's proposal and said the Bangladesh government will provide all kinds of cooperation. The minister called for more scholarships for Bangladeshi scientists in the field of higher education.
Bangladesh wants to maintain good relations with all countries, Razzaque said, adding that good relations between Bangladesh and China are very important for economic development and peace and stability in the region.