India rejects Dhaka’s claims, says it has never allowed its soil to be used against Bangladesh

India on Sunday firmly dismissed allegations made by Bangladesh’s interim government, asserting that it has never permitted its territory to be used for actions that harm Bangladesh’s interests, even as it reiterated its support for peaceful and credible parliamentary elections in the neighbouring country.

New Delhi’s response came hours after Bangladesh summoned Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka Pranay Verma and conveyed concerns over what it described as “incendiary” remarks made by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina from Indian soil. A readout issued by Dhaka said the Bangladesh foreign ministry also flagged the activities of certain Awami League members currently staying in India.

Reacting to the move, the Ministry of External Affairs said: “India categorically rejects the assertions made by the interim government of Bangladesh in its press note.”


The MEA underlined that India has consistently supported the conduct of elections in Bangladesh that are free, fair, inclusive and credible, and conducted in a calm environment. Reiterating its position, the ministry said: “India has never allowed its territory to be used for activities inimical to the interests of the friendly people of Bangladesh.”

India also placed the onus of maintaining stability squarely on Dhaka, stating: “We expect that the interim government of Bangladesh will take all necessary measures for ensuring internal law and order, including for the purpose of holding peaceful elections.”

Bangladesh is scheduled to hold parliamentary elections on February 12, the first national polls since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August last year following widespread protests. The Awami League has already rejected the planned election, arguing that the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus lacks the neutrality required to conduct a fair vote.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the party said: “It is now clear that the current occupying authority is entirely biased, and that under their control it is impossible to ensure a fair and normal environment where transparency, neutrality, and the people's will can be reflected.”

Last month, Hasina, 78, was sentenced to death by a special tribunal in Dhaka for “crimes against humanity” linked to her government’s crackdown on student-led protests last year. She has been living in India since August 5, when she fled Bangladesh amid escalating unrest.