The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Application forms of the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery programme of the United States will be available on online from October 2 to December 1 this year as the US government yesterday announced the DV-2010 registration programme for Bangladesh.

Addressing a function on the occasion at the BIAM auditorium, Chief of the Consular Section of US Embassy here Laurie Trost said the application forms would be available on the Website ww.dvlottery.state.gov during the period.

"Applications must be submitted through online and no written application will be accepted. Along with professional experience, educational qualifications for getting the citizenship is the US 12-year degree equivalent to HSC level in Bangladesh," she said.

Madrasa students having no additional general degree will not be eligible for the DV lottery", she said adding that thousands of Bangladeshis, the highest in number among those in other countries, apply for the US citizenship through the DV lottery every year.

Laurie cautioned the DV lottery applicants to remain alert against brokers and agencies, who cheat the US citizenship seekers with false promise. "Do not deal with unknown individuals in this regard," she said.

Every year, as many as 5,000 Bangladeshi citizens are being awarded US citizenship through the DV lottery programme. A total of 17,000 Bangladeshis have so far been awarded the US DV lottery visa since 2000, she also said.

High officials of the US Embassy were present.