The Awami League has labelled the steps taken by the US Department of State to impose visa restrictions on Bangladeshi individuals involved in undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh as a conflict of interest, and the ruling party is keen to uncover the US's intentions behind these restrictions.
Several Awami League leaders shared their thoughts with Dhaka Tribune on Sunday, expressing their curiosity about why the US has imposed these visa restrictions just before the 2024 national parliamentary election.
The ruling party is committed to holding a free and fair democratic 12th national parliament election, they added.
The implementation of the US visa restrictions has generated various opinions among political party leaders and government officials of organizations involved in the election process in Bangladesh.
Ruling party leaders believe that this restriction has received mixed reactions among party members. They think that this US-imposed restriction may unite ruling party leaders further, as they are now directly facing obstacles from a superpower like the US. On the other hand, some wealthy individuals, including bureaucrats, businessmen, and politicians who have transferred their wealth to the US, might be feeling uneasy.
During public rallies and political programs, Awami League leaders are motivating their workers by portraying the US as an opponent, recalling the US's opposition to Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971 when they attempted to send the Seventh Fleet to assist Pakistan. They argue that, just as in 1971, the US is now undermining the democratic process in Bangladesh to empower fanatical forces within the country.
In closed-door discussions, however, Awami League leaders assert that the US sanctions and visa restrictions have nothing to do with the election or the democratic process in Bangladesh. Instead, they see it as a matter of conflict of interest because the US has long sought something from the Sheikh Hasina government, which Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has repeatedly denied.
Some Awami League leaders point out that Myanmar has committed heinous crimes against millions of Rohingya and does not follow democratic practices, yet the US has not imposed any visa restrictions on Myanmar.
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader emphasized that the visa policy of any country should not impede Bangladesh's democratic processes or elections.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the senior Awami League leader conveyed his party's unwavering respect for democratic principles and values.
He said: “We are strongly committed to hold a free, fair and peaceful election. The Bangladesh Awami League has governed with trust in the people. People are the only strength of Awami League. They will resist any kind of plot to obstruct the elections through domestic and foreign conspiracies.”
Awami League's Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif questioned the US visa policy, asking: "Did the US truly make this announcement in the interest of free, fair, and peaceful elections, or is there a hint of conspiracy behind the visa policy?"
He added: "If there is any conspiracy or mischief behind this visa policy, the people of Bengal will not tolerate it. We are soldiers of Bangabandhu, adherents of Bangabandhu's ideology. We liberated the country through a nine-month struggle. We cannot be defeated by any conspiracy. This must be kept in mind."
Awami League Organizing Secretary Abu Sayeed Al Mahmood Swapon said: "Bangladesh is a sovereign country. We gained independence through a liberation war despite numerous obstacles. We will not tolerate any actions that undermine our sovereignty."
An anonymous Awami League leader said: "Before the election, there may be many steps like the US visa restrictions, but we are not concerned because we believe in the power of the people. If the general population of Bangladesh is with us, we have nothing to fear."
The same leader also pointed out that Bangladesh, once a small country on the world stage, is now well-known under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina. They believe that in the present world scenario, where many parallel forces are at play and the value of the US dollar is decreasing, countries like China, Russia, and India are exploring the use of their own currencies for international trade.
“We are living in an era of change,” they added.
On Friday, the US Department of State announced its intention to impose visa restrictions on Bangladeshi individuals responsible for undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh, including members of law enforcement agencies, the ruling party, and the political opposition. However, the US State Department did not disclose the names of those individuals.
On May 24, the US announced its decision to restrict the issuance of visas for certain Bangladeshi individuals, notifying the Bangladeshi government of this decision on May 3.
