In response to a letter from the Liaison Council (Editors’ Council) expressing concern over recent remarks about the imposition of US visa policy on the media in Bangladesh, US Ambassador Peter Haas strongly defended freedom of the press and “the rights of journalists”. Has reiterated his government’s commitment to. and media outlets exercise their right to freedom of expression”.
“This includes views critical of any government, including the United States. “Indeed, we welcome public reflection on any element of our policy,” he said.
Ambassador Haas said this in response to a letter from Mahfouz Anam, Chairman of the Council of Editors, Bangladesh, seeking clarification on the Ambassador’s comments during a recent interview with Channel 24 that the media are also within the scope of US visa policy. I can come.
Peter said, “We are implementing this policy in a balanced manner against anybody, whether they are pro-government, whether they are in the opposition, or whether they are in law enforcement, whether they are in the judiciary, whether they are Be it media.” Haas during the interview broadcast on September 24.
On May 24 this year, the US announced a visa policy for Bangladesh and on September 22, it was announced that it would take steps to impose visa restrictions on Bangladeshi individuals responsible for or involved in undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh. went.
In a letter to Peter Haas dated 27 September, Mahfouz Anam said he was writing because certain questions had arisen in the minds of him and the members of the Council of Editors regarding the above comment on visa restrictions on the media.