Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has said that Bangladeshis themselves are often responsible for visa restrictions imposed by various countries.

He was speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday (June 3).

The adviser made the remarks when asked about recent pushback incidents and foreign visa policies.

"Many of the decisions taken against us are due to our own actions," the adviser said.

He said, "Our people and some businessmen, especially those who send workers abroad, are responsible."

He pointed out that in Malaysia, for example, there is no negative attitude toward Bangladesh. However, he noted that more Nepali workers go through legal channels than Bangladeshis, while a large number of Bangladeshis travel illegally.

“This is not their fault—it is ours,” he said, adding, “I think we need to put our house in order. Many may not like what I said, but I personally believe there is much we can do in this area.”

MSK/