India urges participatory polls in Bangladesh amid calls to ban Awami League

India on Friday called for inclusive and participatory polls in Bangladesh amid demands to ban Awami League and expressed deep concerns over activities of extremists as it called for protection of the rights of all minorities.

"We support a stable, peaceful, inclusive and progressive Bangladesh in which all issues are resolved through democratic means and by holding inclusive and participatory elections. We remain concerned about the deteriorating law and order situation, further exacerbated by the release of violent extremists, who were sentenced for serious crimes," MEA spokesperson Randheer Jaiswal said as India announced its position in clear terms on Bangladesh developments that has serious implications for India.

Some members of the interim regime as well as some of the student leaders had demanded that Awami League be banned from polls. There have even been demands for prosecution of former PM Sheikh Hasina before holding polls. Several Islamist groups have created a reign of terror in the neighbouring country, a source pointed out.


Calling for protection of minorities, Jaiswal said: "We have repeatedly underlined that it is the responsibility of the interim government of Bangladesh to protect Hindus and other minorities, as well as their properties and religious institutions".