Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: India on Sunday firmly rejected Bangladesh’s claims that Indian territory was being used for activities harmful to Dhaka’s interests. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that India has never permitted actions targeting the people or interests of Bangladesh and reiterated support for peaceful, free and credible elections in the neighbouring nation.
MEA Pushes Back After Dhaka Summons Indian Envoy
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma, raising concerns over what it described as “incendiary” statements made by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina from Indian soil and the activities of Awami League members currently residing in India.
Responding to Dhaka’s press note, the MEA said it “categorically rejects” the assertions made by Bangladesh’s interim government and stressed that internal law and order ahead of elections is Dhaka’s responsibility.
Bangladesh Election Tensions and Hasina’s Exile
Bangladesh heads to parliamentary elections on February 12 — the first national poll since Sheikh Hasina’s government collapsed last August amid mass protests. The Awami League is boycotting the election, calling the interim administration under Muhammad Yunus biased and incapable of ensuring a neutral environment.
Hasina, who has lived in India since fleeing the country on August 5, was last month sentenced to death by a Dhaka tribunal for alleged “crimes against humanity” linked to the crackdown on student-led protests. Her party argues the judicial and electoral processes have become politically motivated.
