Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen expressed optimism on Saturday (May 27) regarding the potential of the new US visa policy to effectively combat the detrimental practice of money laundering to the United States.

Speaking to the media after attending an event at the International Mother Language Institute, he highlighted that US visas are commonly sought by affluent individuals such as government employees, politicians, businessmen, and certain members of civil society. He pointed out that those who possess the financial means to secure foreign education for their children and own assets are typically the ones involved in money laundering activities.

Dr. AK Abdul Momen underscored that these individuals engage in illicit practices to transfer funds from the country and invest in foreign assets. Implementing restrictions on such individuals, he noted, would help safeguard the country from financial losses caused by money laundering. While the government does not possess specific data on the exact amount of money laundered abroad annually, a US-based think-tank, Global Financial Integrity, estimated that Bangladesh incurred a substantial loss of $49.65 billion or approximately Tk 4,71,675 crore on average between 2009 and 2015 (excluding 2014). This loss primarily resulted from trade misinvoicing and under-invoicing, with an average of Tk 84,475 crore being siphoned off from the country each year during that period.

Addressing any concerns about the government’s reaction to the new visa policy, the foreign minister clarified that the issuance of US visas is solely the concern of the United States, not Bangladesh. He emphasized that the country would not engage in any clamor or fuss demanding US visas.

Regarding the return of special security protocols for the Indian and Saudi ambassadors, Dr. AK Abdul Momen stated that there is no lack of security in the country. He indicated that no ambassador has requested additional security measures thus far, and no foreign country has engaged in any wrongdoing that would make them potential targets for attacks. Therefore, he expressed confidence and reassured that there is no cause for concern in this regard.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent visit to the Ritz Carlton hotel in Washington DC turned into an unexpected encounter with a group of BNP-Jamaat supporters protesting outside in the cold and pouring rain. The prime minister showed a gesture of goodwill and invited them to come inside to discuss their problems, but the protesters rejected her offer and left the scene.

According to the prime minister’s speech writer, M Nazrul Islam, PM noticed the demonstrators while she was on her way to attend a civic reception at the hotel. She sympathized with them and suggested that their representatives should come inside the hotel to express their grievances. Nazrul quoted the prime minister as saying, “Let them come in here to say what they want.”

The premier then requested her PS-II Al Mamun Murshed and one official from the Bangladesh mission to bring the protesters inside the hotel. However, police officials initially denied permission to bring them in without approval from the hotel authority. Eventually, the officials obtained permission from the hotel authority to allow the protesters inside.

Despite these efforts, the BNP-Jamaat protesters left the scene without accepting the prime minister’s invitation. Nazrul mentioned that the prime minister had genuinely wanted to listen to their concerns.

It remains unclear why the protesters refused the invitation, but the incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the BNP-Jamaat group and the ruling party. The prime minister’s gesture of inviting the protesters inside the hotel may have been an attempt to reach out and bridge the divide between the two sides.

Overall, the encounter between the prime minister and the BNP-Jamaat protesters at the Ritz Carlton Hotel highlights the importance of dialogue and communication in resolving political differences and promoting understanding.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday (19 April) asked her party members to shun intra-party conflict and work together for the development of the country and the welfare of the people.

“No grouping and intra-party rivalry shall be allowed in the area. Everyone has to work. I will give the nomination. Those who want to work in the area, must work together,” PM said.

PM Sheikh Hasina gave the instruction in a video call at the party’s joint meeting held at the political office of the Awami League President in Dhanmondi.

The Awami League president also directed the party leaders and activists to highlight the development activities of the government during the holy Eid-ul-Fitr vacation alongside looking after the beneficiaries of the government projects.

She said that various types of allowances are being provided to women, men, children and elderly persons through numerous schemes of the government.

In this connection, she asked the party men to check whether these allowances are being received directly by the beneficiaries.

According to sources at the meeting, PM Sheikh Hasina instructed the leaders and activists to stand by the helpless people on the occasion of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr to make the party more dynamic.

She urged all to highlight the development activities of the government ahead of the upcoming general elections.

She asked the AL members across the country to remain vigilant against arson attacks of BNP-Jamaat alongside making the people aware of such violence.

While talking to Awami League Publicity and Publication Secretary Abdus Sobhan Golap over phone, she also asked the party leaders to plant trees for developing sound environment in the country.

Apart from giving instructions, she exchanged Eid greetings with AL leaders and activists and wished everyone a safe journey.

Prior, a joint meeting was held with Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader.

AL presidium members and presidents-general secretaries of Dhaka City North and South units of AL and other allied organizations were present in the meeting.

Talking to journalist, AL Office Secretary Biplab Barua said that the PM asked all party members to raise public relations in view of the upcoming elections alongside exchanging Eid greetings.