We are not worried over US visa policy, says outgoing chief justice

Outgoing Chief Justice Hasan Foez Siddique has said the country is not concerned over the US visa restrictions.

"We are not concerned by the United States' visa policy. I have never visited America, nor do I intend to do so in the future," he said while talking to reporters at the Supreme Court premises on his last working day today (25 September).

He said, "Our nation achieved independence through sacrifices, not out of anyone's sympathy. Those who opposed it during our fight for independence continue to oppose it today."

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The outgoing chief justice said, "Throughout my tenure as chief justice, I have dedicated myself to advancing the interests of the judiciary. My focus has always been on the greater good, without any consideration for personal gain or that of my family. 

"I have consistently motivated and guided judges across the nation in the resolution of complex cases. In order to enhance convenience for litigants, we have established 'Naykunja' facilities in court premises across the country. We also instituted a mediation centre in the Supreme Court to facilitate dispute resolution through mediation."

Also Read: US slaps visa restrictions on law enforcers, ruling party, opposition

The United States introduced the visa policy on 24 May with the objective of ensuring fair and free elections in Bangladesh. Four months later, the United States announced on Friday (22 September) that it is moving forward with plans to impose visa restrictions on individuals responsible for obstructing the democratic electoral process. This group includes members of law enforcement, ruling political parties, and opposition parties.

This development follows previous sanctions imposed by the United States in December 2021, which targeted seven officers of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) on allegations of human rights violations. Notably, among those who faced sanctions were the former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed and the former director-general (DG) of RAB Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun.