New visa policy may be applicable to people associated with media alongside politicians, judges and law enforcers involved in obstructing free and fair polls, said US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas.
He made the statement addressing an exclusive interview with Channel 24 at its office.
"We are applying the policy in a balanced way against anyone regardless of whether they are pro-government, whether they are in the opposition, or whether they are law enforcement, whether they are in the judiciary, whether it's the media," he said.
He said "But it is based on behaviours. It's not based on anything else but their actions."
A video clip of his interview has been released on the television's YouTube channel.
On Friday, the US Department of State declared to be taking steps to slap visa restrictions on Bangladeshi individuals responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh.
State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller in a statement said "These individuals include members of law enforcement, the ruling party, and the political opposition."
These persons and members of their immediate family may be found ineligible for entry into the United States, he said, adding persons found to have been responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh may also be found ineligible for US visas under this policy in the future.
"This includes current and former Bangladeshi officials, members of opposition and ruling political parties, and members of law enforcement, the judiciary, and security services."
The USA, on May 24 this year, announced the visa policy on Bangladesh.
