Nothing to say on visa policy, it's up to US: Home minister
“We know what we have heard, and so do you," Home Minister told the reporters.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said he has no comments regarding the imposition of US visa restrictions on Bangladeshis, as he is yet to know who is on the list.
"Moreover, the visa policy is up to them. Who they will allow into their country and who they won't is up to them. We have no comments on that," said the home minister in response to a journalist's question in his office at the Secretariat on Sunday.
The minister mentioned that he has heard about the US imposing visa restrictions but has not received any official letter in this regard.
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"So we know what we have heard, and so do you," the minister told the reporters.
On Friday, the US Embassy in Dhaka announced that the country has imposed visa restrictions on some members of Bangladesh's law enforcement agencies, the ruling party, and opposition political parties in connection to their involvement in obstructing the democratic election process in Bangladesh.
Journalists confronted the home minister today amid speculations regarding the names on the list.
When a reporter drew his attention to potential restrictions on members of law enforcement agencies, the minister said he has not received any list of names. "We will see what can be done once the names are in hand."
In response to a question regarding BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's treatment abroad, the home minister said Khaleda Zia has been convicted in a specific case.
He explained, "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina suspended her sentence and allowed her to receive better treatment at home. She is receiving medical treatment in an advanced hospital in the country. The suspension of her sentence has been extended several times.
"The process involves sending an application to the Ministry of Home Affairs, which then forwards it to the law ministry for legal opinion. If the law ministry deems it necessary to send it to the court, then it will be forwarded accordingly. And if you believe the Prime Minister can take action on it, that's how it has been thus far."
The home minister further stated, "The issue of permission to send Khaleda Zia abroad for treatment is known to have legal complications. Court permission may be required for this. The law minister is well aware of this. In that case, the Ministry of Home Affairs cannot act beyond the bounds of the law."
