Bangladesh has fallen into an image crisis on the global stage over migration issues after the United States suspended immigrant visas for Bangladeshi nationals, dealing a major setback to migration prospects. The move came just a week after Washington imposed a visa bond requirement.
According to a statement from the US Department of State, the United States will suspend immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, including Bangladesh, Russia, China, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nepal, from January 21 until further notice.
US authorities will assess visa applications under stricter guidelines sent to embassies and consulates. Officials may deny visas if they believe applicants could become dependent on public benefits, including food assistance, housing support or medical services. The policy has dimmed the hopes of at least 180,000 people from the affected countries who aspire to migrate to the United States.
Human rights organisations have criticised the decision, while several US politicians have objected to what they described as collective punishment for the actions of a few individuals.
Moin Chowdhury, director of the American International Bar Association and a Bangladeshi-American attorney active in Democratic Party grassroots organising, condemned the Trump administration’s directive. He said recent measures had put US ethics and values into question.
“People whose labour, talent and sacrifice helped make the United States a global leader now see their dreams shattered. This is an inhumane step,” Chowdhury said, adding that immigrant rights groups could challenge the policy in court.
Officials at Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government has sought details through the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington. The ministry plans to decide its next course of action after receiving a full report and official clarification on the suspension.
The government continues to monitor the situation closely and maintain contact through diplomatic channels, officials added.
Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Wednesday, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said the United States cited several reasons for suspending immigrant visas.
“The foreign ministry, the national security adviser and other relevant authorities will determine a strategy. If necessary, we will engage with the United States,” she said.
Rizwana noted that the decision did not target Bangladesh alone. She said Washington focused on countries with high migration rates, large numbers of political asylum seekers or significant dependence on social services.
“This is a decision of the US government. We will now assess where Bangladesh stands and what steps we need to take,” she added.
Bd-pratidin English/TR
