Planning Minister M A Mannan said that Bangladesh has its own visa policy and does not issue visa to every applicant.
He made the statement at a seminar on food and nutrition security in coastal areas held yesterday (Wednesday) at a hotel in the Gulshan area in the capital.
“Those who have committed atrocities in the 1970s are not granted visas,” he added.
The Planning Minister called to consider the issue of US visa policy in a more sensible manner.
Referring to the US visa policies the Minister said, “If you don’t issue visa, we don’t mind. In general thousands of people who apply every are refused. We don’t mind if the US embassy refuses visa applications to those who create (political) violence and foil or prevent holding election.”
Referring to the European Union as the country’s friend, The Planning Minister said, “They are not our boss. In the UK, France, India not everyone participates in the national election. Those who does not participate has no right to deny or prevent elections. Their denial or causing hindrance to voting process is illegal. There are rules to play. FIFA made rules. We also have the Election Commission as a referee here.”
Referring to developed democracy as a ‘subjective matter’, MA Mannan said that there is no method to measure democracy. You cannot say there is 80 percent or 90 percent democracy.
Claiming that there is no evidence of voting taking place at night, the Planning Minister said, “These things are said only in front of the press club. Our friends in politics only complain. I would rather suggest them to give proof if they have any.”
He said that village people generally are not very ambitious about roads, bridges and electricity. Rather, the majorities of the rural population prefer having a new tubewell and an allowance card.
“Pointing out that the needs of developed countries and our needs are not the same. France or developed countries may want nuclear technology, advanced cars, but the people of our country prefer having rice and safe water,” he added.
