Dhaka will issue visas to Indian journalists who wish to cover the upcoming election, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said on Wednesday, while ordinary visas remain closed for the next eight to 10 days.
“Arrangements for journalists to come have been made. Ordinary visa processing is still closed; we will open it when the time is right,” he said at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On foreign election observers, he said: “I do not have detailed information because it goes directly to the Election Commission. We will not proactively provide help, as that could be seen as taking sides. The rest will be handled by the Election Commission.”
He confirmed a large European team will visit and said: “We want the maximum number of observers and journalists from all over the world. We also want sufficient journalists from all news agencies to ensure transparency.”
Regarding Indian officials in Dhaka sending their families home, he said: “It is entirely their decision. There is no situation in Bangladesh putting their families at risk.”
On security, he said: “So far, there has been no significant disruption. Minor incidents happen in every election, but nothing more serious seems to have occurred this time.”
Asked about election conflict, he said: “Any disorder could come from those not participating in the election. That is why the statement attributed responsibility to the Awami League.”
