US visa policy aimed at promoting free, fair elections in Bangladesh

US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu has said they have not imposed any sanctions on anybody, but they announced a new visa policy.

While responding to a question at Channel I TV station's talk show -- Tritio Matra -- Lu said this policy will equally apply to the members of the ruling and opposition parties.

The US assistant secretary said they know this new policy will create questions in Bangladesh.

He, however, emphasised that they have taken this policy in the most constructive and positive way.

The United States announced the new visa policy to promote free and fair elections.

"Under this policy, we can impose visa restrictions on individuals and their immediate family members if they are responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Wednesday.