Visa
US visa policy to help Bangladesh hold fair elections: GM Quader
Jatiya Party chairman Ghulam Muhammad Quader on Tuesday said that the new US visa policy for Bangladesh will be helpful in holding the next general election in a free, fair and credible manner.
"The United States expects free, fair and neutral elections in Bangladesh. What is said in the visa policy, all goes in favour Bangladesh and its people", Quader, also the deputy opposition leader in parliament told reporters at the circuit house in the town before attending the bi-annual conference of Sherpur district unit of the party.
Also Read: Fair election not possible in current system: GM Quader
"We can’t expect a free, fair and impartial election under the current government. This needs to be changed. But we need consensus on the kind of change through discussion with all parties. So we (Jatiya Party) support the US visa policy," he added.
GM Quader said everyone wants free and fair elections. "We haven't received any proposal regarding the election-time government from anywhere yet. However, we are working for the welfare of the people of the country. How we will participate in the next election will be discussed later and decided," he added.
Also Read: People have no confidence in country’s electoral system: GM Quader
Central leaders, including Jatiya Party Co-Chairman ABM Ruhul Amin Howladar, Secretary General Mujibul Haque Chunnu, Member of Parliament Kazi Firoz Rashid, Presidium Member Mostafa Al Mahmud, were also present.
Later, GM Quader and Jatiya Party leaders addressed the bi-annual conference of the district Jatiya Party at Shaheed Minar premises in the Chawkbazar center of the town.
Also Read: Assault on on-duty journalists an unpardonable crime: GM Quader
Dangling threat of visa sanctions in Bangladesh’s case, US silent on undeclared martial law situation in Pakistan: Geostrategist Chellaney
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's announcement to withhold visas from individuals "responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process" in Bangladesh is hardly conducive to the promotion of this aim, says Professor Emeritus of Strategic Studies at the Center for Policy Research in New Delhi, Brahma Chellaney.
"If anything, it is likely to prove counterproductive," he wrote in an article published by Nikkei Asia on Monday.
Also read: New US visa policy declared targeting next Bangladesh polls
Chellaney is a former adviser to India's National Security Council, and has authored nine books, including "Water: Asia's New Battleground".
US President Joe Biden’s administration “has made Bangladesh a focus of its democracy promotion efforts by dangling the threat of visa sanctions against officials who undermine free elections while staying silent on the undeclared martial law situation in Pakistan, where mass arrests, disappearances and torture have become political weapons,” writes the professor.
Also read: US govt’s new visa policy does not bother Bangladesh government: Shahriar Alam
"The short answer is that US promotion of democratic rights has long been selective, with geopolitical considerations often dominant. The pursuit of moral legitimacy for the cause of democracy promotion has also contributed to making sanctions the tool of choice for US policymakers," Prof Chellaney says.
In the case of Bangladesh, he thinks, the Biden administration is seeking to leverage two other factors: that close relatives of many Bangladeshi politicians live in the US or Britain, including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's son who holds an American green card; and that the bulk of Bangladesh's exports go to the West, with the US being the top destination.
Also read: Bangladesh expects new US visa policy will not be applied arbitrarily in non-objective manner
"In fact, bullying the world's seventh-most populous country, far from helping to promote a free and fair election, is more likely to revive painful memories of how the US looked the other way in 1971 as the Pakistani military brutally resisted Bangladesh's efforts to achieve independence from Islamabad, slaughtering up to 3 million people. What is Washington really after now?" — the professor questions.
Bangladesh's impressive growth trajectory stands in stark contrast to the chronic political and economic turmoil seen in Pakistan, which today is teetering on the brink of default. Yet while Bangladesh was excluded from the Summits for Democracy convened in 2021 and earlier this year by Biden, Pakistan was invited both times though it did not attend either, the article reads.
Also read: US eyeing enhanced cooperation with Bangladesh in security and trade
While continuing to reward Pakistan by prioritizing short-term geopolitical considerations, the Biden administration has been criticizing democratic backsliding in Bangladesh.
Blinken's wielding of the “visa-sanctions stick” is clearly aimed at members of PM Hasina's government, including law enforcement and other security officials, although the announcement of the new policy also mentioned members of opposition parties, Prof Chellaney writes.
Also read: US consistent on the need for free, fair election in Bangladesh: White House
"But sanctioning foreign officials usually serves no more than a symbolic purpose while hampering diplomacy. It can also have unintended consequences," he adds.
The professor observed that the new hardline towards Dhaka makes little sense. "The Hasina government could be a significant partner in the US war on terror and in improving Asian security. Instead, bilateral relations are under strain. No one from the Biden administration even met with Hasina when she visited Washington last month for discussions with the World Bank and International Monetary Fund."
"While in Singapore this month, (US Defense Secretary Lloyd) Austin declared that America ‘will not flinch in the face of bullying or coercion’ from China. But bullying and coercion are also unlikely to advance US interests in Bangladesh," the article reads.
Also read: Exaggeration, inconsistency in Congressmen’s letter: Shahriar Alam
US visa policy for Bangladesh an outcome of AL’s misrule: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday (June 5, 2023) alleged that the US visa policy for Bangladesh is the outcome of Awami League’s misrule and mischievous activities.
Speaking at a seminar, he also said that democratic countries are creating various pressures on the current regime to restore democracy as it has destroyed all democratic institutions.
“The USA has imposed sanctions and announced visa policy. It’s a matter of shame for us, not a matter of joy. A country has imposed (visa) restriction on an independent and sovereign country, because of this Awami League government’s misrule, mischievous activities and plundering,” the BNP leader said.
Read: People, not PM, to decide whether they go to USA or not: BNP
Fakhrul said the Awami League regime has destroyed all the democratic systems, and institutions, including the judiciary, to cling to power by any means.
“They've (govt) politicised the parliament and the administration, dashing the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh for a democratic state and a democratic society. So, the democratic world is not seeing any other measures rather than imposing restrictions on Bangladesh for the restoration of democracy as the current regime has taken the country to such a bad situation,” he observed.
Fakhrul said they together with people and all democratic forces and parties must carry out the movement to restore democracy, give it an institutional shape and build a democratic free society.
Red more: US visa policy will apply to BNP leaders who are making open declaration to obstruct upcoming polls
“We have to build a democratic country in a true sense through a united movement. We want to take this vow on the occasion of the death anniversary of Ziaur Rahman," he added.
BNP arranged the seminar titled 'Martyr President Ziaur Rahman, the promoter of multi-party system in Bangladesh' at a city hotel, marking the 42nd death anniversary of its founder and former President Ziaur Rahman.
Professor Kamrul Ahsan of Jahangirnagar University's Philosophy Department read out the keynote paper at the programme, depicting the different good initiatives taken by late President Zia for the development of Bangladesh and the welfare of its people.
Read more: BNP’s plot to boycott election failed for US new visa policy: Obaidul Quader
Fakhrul said the Awami League government has now become completely isolated from the country's people and it has no relation with democracy.
He said the ruling party tries to brand Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who established one-party Baksal rule destroying democracy against the will of the people as the greatest democratic leader in the world.
The BNP leader said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who is called by her party followers a daughter of democracy has annulled the caretaker government system unilaterally by force also against the will of people and the all political parties.
Read more: Govt to blame for US’s disrespectful visa policy: Fakhrul
He said the country’s people had accepted the caretaker government as a good system for ensuring free, fair and credible national elections in the country, but the Awami League government revoked it to cling to power by force.
“So, we’ve now only one way which is to wake up people as Ziaur Rahman did to liberate the country through the war,” Fakhrul said.
He said their party’s many leaders and activists were killed, repressed, made disappear, arrested and jailed in the ongoing movement for the restoration of democracy. ‘We have to make more sacrifices for the sake of the country and win the struggle to bring back democracy.”
Read more: Kader Siddique calls US visa policy a disgrace for Bangladesh
Bangladesh passport visa free countries for 2023
As global tourism finally normalizes after the pandemic, there is a natural rush for travel abroad, and Bangladeshis are no different. Now is the time to check where Bangladeshi passport holders can travel visa-free, or with visa on arrival, or with an eTA. Here’s a detailed list.
Bangladeshi Passport and its Types
Bangladeshi passport has historically not had a very good global score since independence. According to the Henley Passport Index for 2023, Bangladesh ranks 99th globally with a mobility score of 40. The mobility score estimates that with a Bangladeshi passport, a person will have a world reach of about 24% which is significantly lower than a lot of countries.
These rankings apply to the ordinary Bangladeshi passports only. There are a total of three types of passports active in Bangladesh. These are:
Ordinary Passport
The ordinary passport is issued to any general civilian with Bangladeshi citizenship. The right to a passport has been promulgated in the constitution, and any legal citizen of the country can avail the service for personal use such as study trips, medical needs, vacations, or business trips.
Read more: How to Get E-Passport in Bangladesh: Things you need to know
Official Passport
The official passport of Bangladesh is issued to government employees of the state. The passport is issued as a special designation for individuals representing Bangladesh in any kind of official capacity. The features of the official passport are similar to those of the ordinary passport. Except in certain cases, many visa requirements in different countries are waived for official passport holders. A person holding an official passport will also need to have an NOC from their respective government authority before traveling.
Relations with US still 'excellent', insists Hasan Mahmud
Information Minister Hasan Mahmud said the relationship between Bangladesh and the United States remains excellent despite recent comment regarding US sanctions by PM Sheikh Hasina.
“We have taken several positive decisions in recent times to enhance our relations with the United States,” he said, while speaking at a press briefing in the Secretariat this afternoon.
Mahmud emphasized the government's desire to strengthen ties with the US.
Also Read: PM strikes defiant tone in face of US pressure
Highlighting the need to diversify trade opportunities, Mahmud mentioned that Bangladesh has not been able to increase trade with countries of South America.
He also stressed the importance of expanding trade with the Middle East beyond labour export, given the increased purchasing power and awareness in the region.
He also emphasized the trade potential in ASEAN countries and the Oceania region, citing the Prime Minister's interest in exploring these opportunities.
Also Read: New visa policy to help PM Hasina's govt in holding fair elections: US
“Prime Minister's remarks regarding the US visa policy were intended to alleviate concerns and ease tension for those worried about obtaining US visas,” he said.
Earlier, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday said it doesn't matter at all if someone goes to the USA crossing the Atlantic Ocean on a 20-hour- plane journey.
“There are other oceans and other continents in the world, we will make friends with those continents crossing the other oceans. Our economy will be stronger and more developed and vibrant,” she said firmly.
Also Read: US govt’s new visa policy does not bother Bangladesh government: Shahriar Alam
Hasan Mahmud also mentioned that Bangladesh's budget deficit stands at 5.2 percent, whereas in comparison, India's deficit is 5.9 percent, the United States' is 6 percent, and the United Kingdom's is 5.5 percent.
He referred to the proposed budget for 2023-24 as "people-friendly and poor-friendly," stating that the government aims to increase the number of direct beneficiaries and the number of allowances provided.
Also Read: People, not PM, to decide whether they go to USA or not: BNP
He further said that around two crore people would directly receive various forms of government assistance, including financial aid.
In addition, he announced that a list containing the names of individuals involved in arson attacks, as well as their instigators and financiers, would be disseminated to relevant authorities.
People in support of fair polls have nothing to fear, Peter Haas says on new US visa policy
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Tuesday (May 30, 2023) said people who support free and fair election and work towards that end have nothing to fear regarding the new US visa policy.
“I don’t see any disagreement at all,” he told reporters, noting that they in the US want the same what the people of Bangladesh want – a free and fair election.
Ambassador Haas made the remarks while responding to questions on the new visa policy after a function in Dhaka.
He said the US sees positive things rather than challenges. “We have a very strong partnership on trade, security relations, people to people ties, healthcare, and good conversation on the upcoming election.”
Read more: Widened Dhaka-Washington relationship allows to freely debate on differences: Shahriar
Haas said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has made a clear commitment to hold a free and fair election in Bangladesh.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in his announcement said the holding of free and fair elections is the responsibility of everyone—voters, political parties, the government, the security forces, civil society, and the media."
The ambassador spoke at the inaugural ceremony of a photo exhibition titled “Roots of Friendship: 50 Years of U.S.- Bangladesh Relations” at Edward M. Kennedy Center.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam spoke as the chief guest.
Read more: New US visa policy to curb money laundering: Momen
US visa policy will apply to BNP leaders who are making open declaration to obstruct upcoming polls
Awami League leader Mohammad A. Arafat has sent a letter to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, hoping that the US new visa policy will apply to those BNP leaders who are making an open declaration to obstruct the upcoming national election in Bangladesh.
"I hope your Visa policy will apply to these people as well," he mentioned in his letter that he also shared from his verified Facebook page.
Read more: Nothing to worry about new US visa policy; don't want arson, violence: Momen
Arafat, a member of the AL central executive committee attached some video footages of some BNP leaders declaring they would obstruct the upcoming national election in Bangladesh.
The AL leader said according to the visa policy that Secretary Blinken announced recently (and the letter that he sent to the FM of Bangladesh), “This policy supports Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s stated commitment to hold a free and fair election in Bangladesh and allows the United State to act when Bangladeshi citizen or officials from all political parties undermine this critical pillar of democracy.”
Read more: New visa policy to help PM Hasina's govt in holding fair elections: US
Nothing to worry about new US visa policy; don't want arson, violence: Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said there is nothing to worry about the newly announced US visa policy, noting that the government is neither feeling pressure nor any discomfort.
With this announcement, he hoped that parties which resort to violence, arson and destruction would remain cautious.
"We don't want arson, violence and destruction. I hope these acts will come down," Momen told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when his comment was sought.
Responding to a question, Momen said they are not under any additional pressure from the US, noting that the relationship with the US is excellent.
“We are not sure. It is yet to be tested. We do not know yet how helpful it will be. He (Ambassador Haas) could not tell whether they have become successful by applying such policy in any other country,” he told reporters after his meeting with US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas.
Describing the letter he received from the US Secretary of State as very encouraging, Momen said Bangladesh Awami League is committed to holding a free and fair election.
He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wants free and fair elections and this policy will further strengthen her position.
"We want free and fair elections. Our Prime Minister is committed to it," Momen said, adding that Awami League always believes in voters.
The Foreign Minister said they see very positively that they received from the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
This policy supports Prime Minister Hasina’s stated commitment to hold free and fair elections in Bangladesh, Momen said, quoting the letter.
He mentioned the use of transparent ballot boxes that made the norm to establish confidence among the electorates as well as the polling officials and agents.
Momen also mentioned a strong National Election Commission is in place.
He said all parties will have to have political commitment for a free and fair election.
Asked whether the government accepts or rejects the new visa policy, Momen said there is nothing to accept or reject as this is a policy announced by the US.
Read more: US govt’s new visa policy does not bother Bangladesh government: Shahriar Alam
New visa policy to help PM Hasina's govt in holding fair elections: US
The United States has indicated their new Bangladesh-specific visa policy will help Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government in its efforts to hold free and fair elections.
"Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government have committed to supporting free and fair elections in Bangladesh. This policy is designed to support these efforts and the Bangladeshi people, so they may hold elections to choose their leaders," said the US Embassy in Dhaka, in a message to journalists just after the new policy was announced.
The United States said they support free and fair elections everywhere.
Also read: New US visa policy declared targeting next Bangladesh polls
The message also contained a set of FAQs with responses, through which it clarified certain points that may likely arise in people's minds.
To start with, the US Embassy said this policy applies to any individual responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh. This includes current or former Bangladeshi officials, government supporters, and opposition members, among others. This would also include the immediate family members of such persons.
The United States said they are committed to building a strong partnership with the government of Bangladesh grounded in democracy and human rights.
"We welcome the Prime Minister’s expressed commitment to holding free and fair elections," said the US Embassy.
Also read: US govt’s new visa policy does not bother Bangladesh government: Shahriar Alam
The United States emphasised it does not support any particular political party, and that their handling of this policy would not favour anyone over another - except on the grounds of undermining electoral democracy.
"Restrictions under this new policy target individuals engaging in behavior that undermines the democratic election process, regardless of affiliation."
It also assured that it is a general practice to notify individuals whose visas are revoked or cancelled.
Given US' "close cooperation" with the government of Bangladesh, the US informed it of this policy decision on May 3.
Read more: New visa policy to be implemented fairly on govt & oppn: Donald Lu
Here's how you can apply for a Canadian work visa from Bangladesh
Canada is a North American country known for its friendly people, stunning natural beauty, and thriving economy. It is the world's second-largest country in terms of land area and is located north of the United States. With a population of over 38 million, Canada is a multicultural country with a diverse range of languages and traditions.
For skilled Bangladeshi professionals, Canada offers many opportunities. The Canadian government will be increasing its immigration targets over the next few years, which means that there will be more opportunities for skilled foreign workers to come to Canada and contribute to its economy.
However, in order to work in Canada, foreign workers must obtain a work permit visa. This can be a complex process, and it is important for Bangladeshi workers to understand the requirements and procedures involved. Although there are work permits available for skilled workers and temporary workers, Bangladeshis have a great chance with acquiring skilled working visa.
Read more: Malta Work Permit Visa for Bangladeshi Citizens
Different types of work permits in Canada
Depending on the type of work, location in Canada, and the individual's qualifications, a few types of skilled migration programs are available in Canada. However, the process is a bit complex and time-consuming.
Express Entry – Federal Skilled Worker
The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) stream is aimed at individuals with a minimum of one year of experience in a profession that requires a certain level of expertise. The Comprehensive Ranking System is used to determine the suitability of applicants for immigration. The most qualified individuals will be chosen for immigration based on their scores. You can calculate the score and check the eligibility from this link. https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/crs-tool.asp
For detailed CSR, follow this link: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/eligibility/criteria-comprehensive-ranking-system/grid.html
Read more: Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H): Who’s eligible for Malaysian Golden Visa, Investor Visa?