US Visa Policy: It’ll help curb laundering of money

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said the new US visa policy announced for Bangladesh will help prevent money laundering and not affect the common people or the polling agents.

He said, "A section of government officials, rich businessmen, politicians, and civil society leaders who launder money abroad will be the ones affected under this policy."

Momen made the remarks after attending a programme at the International Mother Language Institute auditorium in the city yesterday, reports our diplomatic correspondent.

Meanwhile, at a different programme, on the same day, Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzaque said the US wants the next election to be free and fair, which is also the goal of the government.

"So, there is nothing to be worried about the new US policy," he said while addressing the triennial conference of the Tangail district Jubo League at Shaheed Srity Pouro Udyan in the town, reports our Tangail correspondent.

On May 24, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the new visa policy under which the US will be able to restrict the issuance of visas for any Bangladeshi individual, believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh.

Momen said, "Who applies for US visa?...Only some government officials, businesses, politicians, and civil society leaders who send their children, built homes, and laundered money there. As a result, money laundering will come down inshallah."

The government wants the US visa policy to stop violence and arson attacks as were the cases in the past, he said, mentioning that in 2014, at least 3,800 vehicles were burnt.

"If this policy helps stop violence, it would be a blessing. You know who resort to violence, they should be careful," he said, while making an oblique reference to the BNP-Jamaat.

On the other hand, Dr Abdur Razzaque said the US announced the new policy to prevent BNP's bid to sabotage the election.

"The next election will be fair and acceptable. Still, if BNP wants to bring an unconstitutional government to power by conspiring to thwart the election, the administration will deal with it and the Awami League leaders and activists will cooperate with them," said Razzaque, also presidium member of AL.

Meanwhile, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said BNP is in trouble because of the new US visa policy, reports our staff correspondent.

"Elections will be held in a free and fair manner. So, neither Awami League nor Sheikh Hasina has any headache over any visa policy or sanctions," he said while addressing a rally at Madhya Badda.

He said the "final game" would be played in the next general elections between "boat" and "sheaf of paddy".

"The people don't want sheaf of paddy," said Quader, also the AL General Secretary.

He said the BNP lodged complaints to the US and spoke of sanctions.

"But where is the sanction? Now sanction is against BNP as they always want to create unrest through vandalism, arson, and terrorism. So, they are in fear over the new policy," Quader said.