No reason to be delighted over US visa policy: Information minister

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Sunday said there is no reason for anyone to be delighted about the newly implemented US visa policy, as it will apply only to those who obstruct the electoral process.

"The bilateral cooperation and the multi-dimensional relation between Dhaka and Washington are getting," the minister said while addressing a discussion meeting of Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote marking the 91st death anniversary of Pritilata Waddedar at the Jatiya Press Club today.

Hasan Mahmud, also Awami League's joint general secretary, said Sheikh Hasina's recent meetings with US President Joe Biden serve as a testament to the strong relationship between both nations.

"BNP changes its stance frequently. They state one thing after the visa policy announcement and another following the news of visa policy implementation in the newspaper the next day. It doesn't matter what they say," said the information minister.

The minister said the country will continue to move forward by tackling all kinds of conspiracies under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina.

The government welcomes foreign observers to observe the upcoming parliamentary election, Hasan Mahmud said.

However, he said even in the absence of international observers, there would be no issues.

"This election is ours. This country is ours. We will decide how the election will be held here. We don't have to learn democracy from anyone. We know the practice of democratic norms. 

"The democratic continuity under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina will definitely continue," he said, expressing confidence that the next election will be held on time, in a free and fair manner.