New US visa policy applicable to all: Razzaq

Agriculture Minister Dr Md Abdur Razzak today said the new US visa policy is applicable to all as Washington has issued a warning against turbulence centring the polls.

"The US visa restriction has been issued for Bangladeshis who will undermine the elections," he told reporters at his ministry here, an official release said.

The minister said, "The government is not worried about the new visa policy of the USA... this visa policy is also applicable to BNP."

It is not a restriction on any particular political party or individual, he said, adding this change in visa process is also applicable to BNP as they burned people, set fire to public transports and blocked ambulances carrying pregnant women.

Razzaq said the new visa policy will discourage evil forces and unconstitutional forces who want to come to power without elections in the Pakistani style.
He said the United States wants to see a free, fair and acceptable election in the country. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has repeatedly said the upcoming general election will be held in a free, fair and credible manner, the minister added.

The next parliamentary election will be held in a democratic process, the minister said, adding, "The Election Commission will hold the election as per the constitution. The government will assist the Election Commission in holding a free, fair and acceptable election."

Earlier, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen met with Agriculture Minister Dr Md Abdur Razzak at his office at Bangladesh Secretariat here.

China has expressed interest in setting up agricultural machinery factories, agro-industrial parks, Razzaq said, adding agricultural technology cooperation centers also will be set up for imparting training and joint research for scientists.

The minister welcomed China's proposal and said Bangladesh government will provide all kinds of cooperation. The minister requested to provide more scholarships for Bangladeshi scientists in the field of higher education.

Bangladesh wants to maintain good relations with all countries, Razzaq said, adding good relations between Bangladesh and China are very important for economic development and peace and stability in the region.