India Rejects Bangladesh’s Claims on Awami League Activities, Calls Allegations ‘Misplaced’ Amid Dhaka’s Political Transition
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday firmly dismissed allegations by Bangladesh’s interim government that political offices of the banned Bangladesh Awami League were operating in India.
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| Image Source: MEA Briefing Screengrab |
MEA’s Clarification
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in an official statement, said:
“The Government of India is not aware of any anti-Bangladesh activities by purported members of 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.”
India also reiterated its expectation that Bangladesh’s upcoming general elections would be “free, fair, and inclusive” to ensure the will of the people is respected.
Dhaka’s Allegations
The controversy began after Bangladesh’s foreign ministry urged India to take immediate steps to shut down alleged political offices of the Awami League in New Delhi and Kolkata.
In its statement, Dhaka said:
“Any form of political activity campaigning against the interests of Bangladesh by Bangladeshi nationals, particularly by the absconding leaders/activists of a banned political party, staying on Indian soil, legally or illegally, including the establishment of offices, is an unambiguous affront against the people and State of Bangladesh.”
The Yunus-led interim government has outlawed Awami League activities following its executive order earlier this year.
Political Context in Bangladesh
The remarks come as Bangladesh undergoes a tense political transition:
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Interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus has pledged elections in February 2025.
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Army chief General Waker-uz-Zaman recently stated that the military was prepared to assist the government in ensuring “free, fair and neutral” polls.
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In the absence of Sheikh Hasina and a banned Awami League, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has emerged as the largest party in the country.
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A new force, the National Citizen Party (NCP), has been launched by an offshoot of the protest group Students Against Discrimination (SAD), reportedly with Yunus’ backing. The NCP is believed to have ties with the far-right Jamaat-e-Islami and other Islamist groups opposing the BNP.
India’s Position
While Dhaka raised concerns about cross-border political activities, India’s response has underscored two points:
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No evidence of anti-Bangladesh operations is permitted from Indian territory.
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New Delhi remains open to constructive engagement with Bangladesh and expects a democratic, inclusive electoral process in its neighborhood.
The exchange highlights the sensitivities in India-Bangladesh relations as Dhaka prepares for a crucial election under Yunus’ interim administration.