C T Online Desk: Though US Ambassador Peter Haas mentioned inclusion of media in the visa restriction policy, the United States Department of State refrained from mentioning media.
“I will say that, as we noted when we announced these new visa restrictions on Friday, they include –members of law enforcement, the ruling party, and the political opposition,” US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said during a regular media briefing on September 25.
He also said when the US Secretary of State announced the new visa policy in May, the purpose was not to take a side, but to ensure or to support free, fair, and peaceful national election in Bangladesh.
Responding to a question specifically on the inclusion of media in the visa restrictions, the State Department spokesperson said: “I think what we have said, and we – so we have not announced because visa records are confidential – we have not announced the specific members or the specific individuals to which this will apply, but it made clear that they will apply to members of law enforcement, the ruling party, and the political opposition.”
Clarifying the issue after US Ambassador Peter Haas’ remarks, the US Embassy in a Facebook post on Monday said, “We are applying the [visa restriction] policy in a balanced way against anyone [undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh] – regardless of being pro-government, opposition party, members of law enforcement agencies, members of the judiciary, or media persons.”
US Embassy Spokesperson Bryan Schiller said the visa restriction policy can be applied to anyone “found to be undermining” democratic elections in Bangladesh.
“This could include vote rigging, intimidating voters, use of violence to prevent people from exercising their rights to freedom of association and freedom of peaceful assembly, and the use of measures designed to prevent political parties, voters, civil society, or the media from participating in the electoral process or expressing their views,” he told UNB while responding to a question.
Responding to a question on BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s release and treatment abroad, US State Department Spokesperson Miller said, “I just don’t have any comment on that.”
Light to moderate rainfall likely over country
DHAKA, Sept 26, 2023 (BSS) – Light to moderate rain likely to occur at a few places over the country and at one or two places over the rest three divisions including Dhaka.
“Light to moderate rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at a few places over Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions and at one or two places over Dhaka, Khulna and Barishal divisions with moderately heavy falls at places over the country”, said a weather forecast for the next 24 hours begins from 9am today.
Day temperature may rise slightly and night temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country.
Country’s highest temperature 36.5 degree celsius was recorded on Monday at Sitakunda while the lowest 23.5 degree celsius was recorded at Dinajpur.
Country’s highest rainfall today was recorded by 49 millimeters (mm) at Sreemangal.
The axis of monsoon trough runs through Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal to Assam across northern part of Bangladesh. One of its associated troughs extends up to North Bay.
Monsoon is less active over Bangladesh and weak to moderate over North Bay. A Low-Pressure area is likely to form over north Andaman Sea & adjoining East central Bay of Bengal during next 48 hours.
