Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina speaks during a joint press conference with the Japanese Prime Minister at the latter's official residence in Tokyo on April 26, 2023. (PHOTO / POOL / AFP)

DHAKA - Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina slammed a recent US visa restriction for Bangladeshi individuals for "undermining the democratic election process."

"We will not be dependent on others. There is no point in fretting over who will not give us visas or who will impose sanctions," said Hasina on Saturday, as quoted by United News of Bangladesh.

Hasina has recently made it clear that the next general election in Bangladesh will be held under her Awami League government, which now eyes the fourth consecutive victory in the election slated for early 2024

The wide range of people under the purview of the new policy includes current and former Bangladeshi officials, members of pro-government and opposition political parties, and members of law enforcement, the judiciary, and security services, as per an official US release.

The policy was made to support free, fair, and peaceful national elections in Bangladesh, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement on May 24.

Hasina has recently made it clear that the next general election in Bangladesh will be held under her Awami League government, which now eyes the fourth consecutive victory in the election slated for early 2024.

ALSO READ: Bangladesh PM: Nation on course to developed status

The current government faces challenges from ex-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party, as Hasina did not heed their demand for a non-party caretaker government to hold the polls.