Nothing to worry about new US visa policy: Peter Haas

Peter Haas, the US ambassador to Bangladesh, asserted that the newly announced US visa policy for Bangladesh poses no fear to individuals who support and promote free and fair elections.

After attending a function in Dhaka, the US diplomat made the comments in response to inquiries about the new visa regulations.

“The US want the same what the people of Bangladesh want – a free and fair election,” said Haas.

The US sees positive things rather than challenges, the envoy said, adding that they have a very strong partnership on trade, security, people to people ties, healthcare, and good conversation on the upcoming election.

Haas said Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has vowed unequivocally to hold free and fair elections. 

The holding of free and fair elections, according to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, is everyone's responsibility, including voters, political parties, the government, the security services, civil society, and the media.

The ambassador inaugurated a photo exhibition titled "Roots of Friendship:  50 Years of US-Bangladesh Relations" at Edward M Kennedy Centre.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam, BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, among others, were present on the occasion.