NEW DELHI: India on Sunday firmly rejected assertions by the Bangladesh interim government that New Delhi is permitting former premier Sheikh Hasina to make “incendiary statements” and encourage “terrorist activities” within the neighbouring country.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement shortly after the Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka, Pranay Verma, was summoned by Bangladesh’s foreign ministry to lodge a protest over Hasina’s activities. Hasina has been living in self-exile in India since her government’s collapse in August 2024.
MEA’s Strong Rebuttal
The MEA categorically stated:
“India has never allowed its territory to be used for activities inimical to the interests of the friendly people of Bangladesh.”
This response addressed a readout from Bangladesh’s foreign ministry, which had conveyed concerns over India “allowing fugitive Sheikh Hasina to continue to make incendiary statements… aiming to thwart the upcoming parliamentary elections” scheduled for February 12.
Focus on Fair Elections and Extradition Demand
While rejecting the allegations, the MEA reiterated India’s consistent stance: “in favour of free, fair, inclusive and credible elections being held in Bangladesh in a peaceful atmosphere.”
- Law and Order Expectation: India also stated its expectation that the interim government of Bangladesh would “take all necessary measures for ensuring internal law and order, including for the purpose of holding peaceful elections.”
- Extradition Demand: The Bangladesh side, led by Muhammad Yunus’s interim government, reiterated its demand for the extradition of Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to face sentences handed down by judicial authorities.
Assassination Attempt and Suspects
The summoning of the Indian envoy occurred two days after a candidate in the upcoming election, Sharif Osman Hadi, the spokesperson of the right-wing group Inqilab Manch, was critically injured in an attack by unidentified gunmen in Dhaka.
Bangladesh’s foreign ministry referred to this incident, requesting New Delhi’s cooperation in “preventing the escape to India of the suspects involved… and, in case they manage to enter into Indian territory, to ensure their immediate apprehension and extradition to Bangladesh.”
Craters in Bilateral Ties
India-Bangladesh relations have significantly worsened since the interim government came to power in August 2024. India has publicly criticised the caretaker administration for:
- Failing to address the oppression of Bangladesh’s minorities, including Hindus.
- Failing to tackle the re-emergence of radical and extremist forces in the country.