US opens door to new Bangladesh sanctions in warning ahead of polls

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The Biden administration announced Wednesday new authorities to restrict visas to any individuals found to have undermined Bangladesh's upcoming general elections.

No penalties have yet been imposed but the authorities allow the US "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," according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

"Actions that undermine the democratic election process include vote rigging, voter intimidation, the use of violence to prevent people from exercising their right to freedoms of association and peaceful assembly, and the use of measures designed to prevent political parties, voters, civil society, or the media from disseminating their views," he said in a statement.

"The holding of free and fair elections is the responsibility of everyone—voters, political parties, the government, the security forces, civil society, and the media. I am announcing this policy to lend our support to all those seeking to advance democracy in Bangladesh," he added.

Those eligible for visa bans under the new policy include current and former government officials, members of political parties, law enforcement, the judiciary and security services

Bangladesh is slated to hold general elections in January 2024.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the authorities are intended to demonstrate that the US is closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh ahead of nationwide polls.spokesperson Matthew Miller said the authorities are intended to demonstrate that the US is closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh ahead of nationwide polls.

"The point is signaling to anyone in Bangladesh who may be considering actions that would interfere with the ability of Bangladeshi people to make their voices that we are watching. We think it's an important step," he told reporters.

Bangladeshi authorities were notified of the policy May 3, according to the State Department.