The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has asserted that the US visa policy will not impact the Bangladesh Police force, as they continue to carry out their duties within the framework of existing laws.
DMP’s Chief of Media and Public Relations, Deputy Commissioner Faruk Hossain, addressed reporters at the DMP Media Center, emphasizing that the implementation of the US visa policy in Bangladesh would not hinder the work of the police force. He stated that police personnel perform their duties in accordance with the law, and the visa policy would not obstruct their responsibilities.
While acknowledging reports of the US visa policy being applied to some members of law enforcement agencies, Faruk pointed out that they have not received a definitive list of individuals affected. He also highlighted that the vast majority of the over 2 lakh personnel in the Bangladesh Police have no aspirations of traveling to the United States.
In light of this perspective, he confidently asserted that the visa policy would have no significant impact on the police force, as they operate within the law and uphold human rights in their work. Faruk expressed the belief that their responsibilities would not be disrupted by this visa policy.
When asked about the role of law enforcement agencies in ensuring free, fair, and neutral elections, the police official reiterated their commitment to working within the boundaries of the law. He explained that the police play a role in ensuring security at polling stations, in collaboration with other forces. He reassured that, in accordance with electoral laws, they would fulfill their duties as entrusted by the Election Commission and did not foresee the visa policy posing any obstacle to their responsibilities.
The United States had announced its visa policy for Bangladesh on May 24, with the objective of promoting free and fair elections in the country. Within four months, the US declared its intention to impose visa restrictions on individuals responsible for obstructing the democratic electoral process, including members of law enforcement agencies and leaders from both ruling and opposition parties.
