India Rejects Dhaka’s Claims, Says It ‘Never Allowed Activities Against Bangladesh’s Interests’

India on Sunday firmly rejected allegations made by Bangladesh and asserted that it has never allowed its territory to be used against the interests of its neighbour, while underscoring the importance of holding peaceful parliamentary elections in Bangladesh.

New Delhi’s response came hours after Bangladesh’s foreign ministry summoned Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka Pranay Verma and conveyed concerns over what it described as former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s “incendiary” statements made from Indian soil.

According to a readout issued by Dhaka, the Bangladeshi foreign ministry also raised concerns about the activities of certain members of the Hasina-led Awami League who are currently staying in India.

MEA’s response

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India “categorically rejects the assertions made by the interim government of Bangladesh in its press note.”

The MEA reiterated that India has consistently supported free, fair, inclusive and credible elections in Bangladesh conducted in a peaceful environment.

“India has never allowed its territory to be used for activities inimical to the interests of the friendly people of Bangladesh,” the statement said.

“We expect that the interim government of Bangladesh will take all necessary measures for ensuring internal law and order, including for the purpose of holding peaceful elections,” it added.

Background

Bangladesh is scheduled to hold parliamentary elections on February 12, which will be the first general polls since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August last year following widespread protests.

The Awami League has rejected the election process, claiming that the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus will be unable to conduct the polls in a free and fair manner.

“It is now clear that the current occupying authority is entirely biased, and that under their control it is impossible to ensure a fair and normal environment where transparency, neutrality, and the people’s will can be reflected,” the party said in a statement last Thursday.

Last month, Hasina, 78, was sentenced to death by a special tribunal in Dhaka for “crimes against humanity” linked to her government’s crackdown on student-led protests last year.

The Awami League leader has been living in India since August 5 last year, after fleeing Bangladesh amid the unrest.