Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said there is nothing to worry about the newly announced US visa policy, noting that the government is neither feeling any pressure nor any discomfort.
With this announcement, he hoped that parties that resort to violence, arson and destruction will remain cautious.
"We do not want arson, violence and destruction. I hope these acts will come down," Momen told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when they sought his comment.
Responding to a question, Momen said they are not under any additional pressure from the US, noting that relations with the US are excellent.
“We are not sure. It is yet to be tested. We do not know yet how helpful it will be. He (Ambassador Haas) could not tell whether they have become successful by applying such policy in any other country,” he told reporters after his meeting with US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas.
Describing the letter he received from the US secretary of state as very encouraging, Momen said the Awami League is committed to holding a free and fair election.
He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wants free and fair elections and that this policy will further strengthen her position.
"We want free and fair elections. Our Prime Minister is committed to it," Momen said, adding that the Awami League always believes in voters.
The foreign minister said they see very positively what they received from the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
This policy supports Prime Minister Hasina's commitment to holding free and fair elections in Bangladesh, Momen said, quoting the letter.
He mentioned the use of transparent ballot boxes that made the norm to establish confidence among electorates as well as polling officials and agents.
Momen also mentioned that a strong Election Commission is in place.
He said all parties will have to have a political commitment for a free and fair election.
Asked whether the government accepts or rejects the new visa policy, Momen said there is nothing to accept or reject as this is a policy announced by the US.
