The purpose of the visa restrictions is not to take a side in an election in Bangladesh but to ensure or support free, fair and peaceful national elections in Bangladesh, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said during a regular press briefing on Tuesday (26 September). 

"As we noted when we announced these new visa restrictions on Friday, they include both members of law enforcement, the ruling party, and the political opposition," he added.

Stating that the US did not announce the names of individuals on the visa restrictions list because visa records are confidential he added, "We have not announced the specific members or the specific individuals to which this will apply, but it made clear that they will apply to members of law enforcement, the ruling party, and the political opposition."

On Friday (22 September), the United States enforced visa restrictions on individuals within Bangladesh law enforcement, the ruling party, and the political opposition – individuals "responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh".

These individuals and their immediate family members may be barred from entering the US, said a press statement issued by the US Department of State. 

Besides, additional persons found complicit in undermining the election may also be found ineligible for US visas under this policy in the future.

"This includes current and former Bangladeshi officials, members of opposition and ruling political parties, and members of law enforcement, the judiciary, and security services," the US said. 

It said the actions reflect the US' continued commitment to supporting Bangladesh's goal of peacefully holding free and fair national elections.