Distinguished Professor Dr. Ali Riaz has been interviewed by the Daily Star, the leading Bangladeshi newspaper, on the impacts of the recent decision of the United States to impose visa restrictions on Bangladeshis and the recent political developments in the country. The restrictions were imposed on May 24 in an announcement by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, which said that the U.S. will deny visas to those who will be found to have been responsible for or complicit in undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh. On September 22, the U.S. authorities informed that they had started implementing the restriction. Riaz, referring to the implementation of the restriction, said that it sends a message that the U.S. is willing and ready to act to help realize the democratic aspirations of the people of Bangladesh.
However, he underscored that the U.S. visa policy alone will not ensure a free and fair election, which is expected to be held in January 2024. The opposition political parties in Bangladesh are demanding that a neutral government be appointed to oversee the election, while the incumbent has rejected the demand. The government headed by Sheikh Hasina insists that the election be held under its supervision.
“Present circumstances and the present system of governance would not be able to deliver a free, fair, and inclusive election. So, something must be done, some kind of neutral administration must be installed so that people have confidence and the opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote and express their opinions,” said Riaz.
