New Delhi: India on Wednesday firmly denied allegations made by the Bangladeshi government that offices linked to the banned Awami League party were operating in Kolkata and New Delhi, allegedly engaging in activities hostile to Dhaka.
In response to the claims, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) rejected the accusations as “misplaced,” asserting that no political activity targeting another country is permitted on Indian soil.
Responding to media queries, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian government had no knowledge of any such activities taking place.
“The Government of India is not aware of any anti-Bangladesh activities by purported members of the Awami League in India or of any action that is contrary to Indian law. The Government does not allow political activities against other countries to be carried out from Indian soil. The press statement by the interim government of Bangladesh is thus misplaced,” Jaiswal said.
Dhaka Raises Concerns Over Alleged Exiled Activity
Earlier this week, the Bangladeshi foreign ministry issued a sharply worded statement claiming that “Awami League-linked offices” were being run from Indian cities by party leaders and activists who had crossed the border into exile. Dhaka urged New Delhi to “immediately ensure the closure” of these offices, calling their activities “an affront to the people and State of Bangladesh.”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the foreign ministry warned that these alleged operations could damage “long-term friendship and multifarious engagements” between the two neighbours and threaten “mutual trust and respect between two people.”
The statement further alleged that political campaigns targeting the Bangladeshi state were being conducted by absconding members of the now-banned party.
Awami League Under Pressure After Protests
The Awami League, led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has faced intense pressure since widespread student-led protests erupted across Bangladesh last year, demanding political reform and accountability.
Accused of authoritarian rule and facing growing unrest, Hasina stepped down earlier this year. She is currently living in exile, and her party has been banned by the country’s interim government.
Hasina and her supporters have dismissed the allegations against them as politically motivated, calling the legal and political action part of a broader effort by rivals and Islamist forces to eliminate her legacy from Bangladesh’s political landscape.
New Delhi Calls for Free and Fair Elections
While rejecting Dhaka’s claims, India reiterated its commitment to supporting democracy in its eastern neighbour.
“We believe that free, fair, and inclusive elections should be held at the earliest in Bangladesh, to ascertain the will and mandate of the people,” the MEA stated.
India and Bangladesh have long shared close diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties, particularly during Hasina’s years in power. However, recent political upheaval and shifting dynamics in Dhaka appear to be testing that historically strong relationship.
Also Read: Israel Initiates Gaza City Assault, Mobilises 60,000 Reservists
