US under secretary for democracy and human rights Uzra Zeya said the new visa policy is absolutely intended to support free and fair elections, which we think are critical for every democracy, but are essential for democracies to be able to thrive.

Uzra Zeya said this in an exclusive interview with the hindustantimes on Tuesday (July 11).

She said, “We look forward to robust discussions with the government on a host of issues, humanitarian cooperation, the elections process, and I think our hope for a peaceful, free and fair elections process, as well as the nexus between Bangladesh’s economic progress and prosperity, which has been the subject of a very substantial and multi-decade development partnership, and the critical role of respect for labour rights and freedom of association towards achieving Bangladesh’s ambitions.”

Earlier, after wrapping Delhi tour on July 9, US Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya arrived in Dhaka on Tuesday (July 11) evening on a four-day visit._Agencies.