The Government of Bangladesh has taken note of the announcement made by the US Secretary of State on a visa restriction policy pursuant to the so-called 3C provision under the US Immigration and Act. Bangladesh would like to view this announcement in the broader context of its government’s unequivocal commitment to holding free and fair elections at all levels for upholding the country’s democratic process. Under Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, Bangladesh remains a democratic and politically stable nation with experience of holding a series of elections at national and local levels.  Since the general elections in 2008, it is evident that the people of the country experienced unprecedented socio-economic development and empowerment due to continued political stability under the Awami League government. This resulted in the reduction of headcount poverty from 41.5% in 2006 to 18.7% in 2022, and of extreme poverty from 25.1% to 5.6% during the same period. Now an international role model for development, Bangladesh has become eligible for graduation from the UN Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2026. These have been achieved due to the Awami League government being elected to office for three consecutive terms over the last fourteen years. The people of Bangladesh are very much conscious of their democratic and voting rights. There is no precedent for any government to continue in office having usurped people’s mandate through vote rigging. The people’s right to franchise is considered a State sanctity by the Awami League government that has a political legacy of unrelenting struggles and sacrifice for securing that right. The government attaches importance to freedom of assembly and association for all peaceful and legitimate democratic processes.  The electoral reform process in Bangladesh continues in a consultative manner involving all concerned stakeholders. As part of the process, photo-based voter ID cards were issued in response to the 10.23 million fraudulent voters enlisted by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party-led government. The use of transparent ballot boxes has also been made the norm to establish confidence among the electorate as well as the polling officials and agents.  The National Election Commission continues to be equipped with the wherewithal to carry out its functions in full independence, credibility and efficiency. The present government took the initiative for the first time to get the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Appointment Act, 2022 enacted by the National Parliament. Pursuant to this law, a new Election Commission has been constituted. As mandated by the Bangladesh Constitution and Representation of the People Order, 1972, the entire executive machinery will remain at the Election Commission’s disposal to assist in the discharge of its responsibilities in a way as it may direct.  In keeping with that, the government apparatus will take necessary measures to prevent and address any unlawful practices or interference by any individual, group or entity to compromise the smooth and participatory conduct of the elections. The electoral process will remain under strict vigilance, including by international observers as accredited by the Election Commission. The government expects that the local undemocratic forces that resort to violence, arson and destruction would remain cautious and refrain from their misguided efforts to jeopardize the electoral process as mandated by the Constitution. It is entirely up to the people of Bangladesh to sustain the hard-earned democratic process, political stability and development gains in the country. The government appreciates that the international community including the US firmly stands by Hon’ble Prime Minister’s sustained commitment to ensure free and fair elections.

To prevent the highly contagious new African COVID-19 variant Omicron, the government has imposed fresh 11-point restriction which will come into effect from January 13 (Thursday).   The Cabinet Division issued a notification to this end today.    The notification said considering the current situation of Omicron infections and the decisions taken by the COVID-19 situation review committee, the restrictions on the overall activities and movement are going to be imposed from January 13.    The restrictions will remain effective until further notice.   Mask use has been made mandatory in shops, shopping malls, bazaars, hotels and restaurants and all public gatherings. If one violates the rules, legal action will be taken against him or her.    All must use masks in offices and courts or outside of homes. If the health guidelines are not followed, mobile courts will have to be conducted across the country, the notification said.    COVID-19 vaccine certificates must be shown in taking food at restaurants or staying at hotels.    Without vaccine certificate, a student above 12 years will not be allowed to enter education institutions after the specific timeframe set by the Education Ministry.    Scanning facility must be increased at land ports, seaports and airports. Restriction must be imposed on the exits of crews of ships at ports. Only drivers of trucks will be allowed at land ports. The access of the visitors accompanying passengers must be stopped at airports.    Trains, buses and launches can carry passengers of their half capacity. The authorities will issue specific instructions in this regard with the date of implementation. Drivers and helpers of all types of vehicles must have COVID-19 vaccine certificates.    Home-bound passengers and others concerned must show COVID-19 vaccine certificates.    Imams will aware people concerned of the health safety guidelines and mask use in their sermons of Jummah prayers in all mosques. Deputy Commissioners and Upazila Nirbahi Officers will ensure this matter.    The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will take necessary publicity and other measures in accelerating COVID-19 vaccination and its booster dose inoculation. In this regard, it will take assistance from of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.   All social, political and religious functions will remain closed at open space until further notice. Source: BSS AH

Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Saturday suggested that the Bangladesh government should end restrictions on Rohingyas’ freedom of movement and access to the internet and online communications. “Government restrictions have intensified following a failed attempt to repatriate refugees to Myanmar, a large rally by Rohingya refugees, and the killings of a local politician and four refugees,” it said. “Bangladesh authorities have a major challenge in dealing with such a large number of refugees, but they have made matters worse by imposing restrictions on refugee communications and freedom of movement,” said Brad Adams, Asia director of HRW.  The authorities should take a level-headed approach instead of overreacting to tensions and protests by isolating Rohingya refugees in camps, he said. On September 1, 2019, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) ordered telecommunication operators to shut down mobile phone service in the camps within seven days.  The next day, the BTRC ordered mobile network operators to shut down 3G and 4G service in the camps each day between 5 pm and 6 am. While the authorities say the shutdown is to enhance security, they have not explained how.  On September 4, Bangladesh’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defense recommended building a security fence around the camps. A standing committee member, Muhammad Faruk Khan said, “We have been observing the Rohingyas are freely moving around the camps and outside. Therefore, to ensure security we recommended taking measures so that no one can come out of the camps and no one can enter inside the camps.” A highly publicized attempt by the Bangladesh government to repatriate Rohingya refugees to Myanmar on August 22 failed because the refugees believe that the current conditions in Myanmar make their return unsafe. That day, alleged Rohingya refugees killed Omar Faruk, 30, a local leader of the ruling Awami League’s youth wing in Teknaf. Law enforcement officers then killed four Rohingya refugees who they said were involved in the murder.  Police claim the Rohingyas were killed in “crossfire”, a phrase often used by security forces in Bangladesh in cases of extrajudicial execution. The government suspended three officials, including the refugee relief and repatriation commissioner, Mohammad Abul Kalam, from Cox’s Bazar for allowing the refugees to organize such a large gathering.  The government also banned certain nongovernmental aid organizations from working in the camps for allegedly supporting the August 25 rally. “Bangladesh authorities and the local community are understandably frustrated that there is no end in sight to the Rohingya refugee crisis,” Adams said. “But they should direct their ire at the Myanmar army and government, which caused the problem, instead of taking it out on refugees.” Source: UNB AH

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal has said that entry of out siders will be prohibited after 8 pm in Dhaka University, Gulshan, Banani and Baridhara areas during Thirty first night. He said this to the newsmen after holding meeting on security affairs at the conference room of the ministry at the secretariat on Wednesday. Chiefs of different law enforcing agencies were present in the meeting. Home Minister said, no program will be allowed in open space after the evening of next 31 December and after 8 pm no outsider could stay in the Dhaka University campus except the student. He said, in Banani-Gulshan-Baridhara diplomatic zones outsiders will not be allowed to move after the evening except the local residents. All the wine shops of the country will remain close from that evening to next morning. But if anybody wants then they could celebrate the night through family program. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal also said, all out security measures will be taken across the country on the occasion of Christmas Day on 25 December and Thirty first night on 31 December. Adequate security measures will be taken in Dhaka’s 75 churches during Christmas. Five thousand members of security forces will be deployed in the churches. AH