New Delhi, Dec 15: India on Sunday categorically rejected allegations by Bangladesh’s interim government that its territory was being used for activities hostile to Dhaka, while reiterating its support for free, fair, inclusive and credible elections in the neighbouring country ahead of the February 12 parliamentary polls.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said New Delhi has never permitted its soil to be used for activities inimical to the interests of the people of Bangladesh, responding to assertions made by Dhaka following statements attributed to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in India since last year.
“India has never allowed its territory to be used for activities inimical to the interests of the friendly people of Bangladesh,” the MEA said in a statement, rejecting what it described as allegations made in a press note issued by Bangladesh’s interim administration.
India also underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability during the election period, stressing that the responsibility for ensuring law and order rests with Bangladesh’s interim government.
“We have consistently reiterated our position in favour of free, fair, inclusive and credible elections being held in Bangladesh in a peaceful atmosphere,” the MEA said, adding that it expects the interim government in Dhaka to take all necessary measures to ensure internal security for the conduct of the polls.
The Indian response came after Bangladesh’s foreign ministry summoned the Indian High Commissioner to lodge a formal protest, accusing fugitive leaders of the Awami League residing in India of planning and supporting terrorist activities aimed at disrupting the electoral process.
According to a readout issued by Dhaka, Bangladesh reiterated its demand for the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to face legal proceedings at home.
Bangladesh is scheduled to hold parliamentary elections on February 12, the first since the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina-led government last year. The country’s election commission has barred the Awami League from contesting the polls.
The Awami League has rejected the upcoming elections, alleging that the interim government is biased and incapable of ensuring a neutral and transparent electoral environment.
