India has dismissed the interim government’s assertion that Awami League leaders and activists staying in India are creating disorder in Bangladesh.
After summoning Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma this evening (December 14), the Foreign Ministry in a statement said Dhaka sought New Delhi’s cooperation to prevent the suspects involved in the assassination attempt on Sharif Osman Hadi from fleeing to India. Bangladesh also requested that India immediately arrest and extradite any suspects who have already fled to India.
During the meeting, Bangladesh told the high commissioner that deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, a fugitive convict, is issuing provocative speeches from India to incite acts of terrorism and sabotage the upcoming parliamentary elections. The government conveyed its concern over the Indian government giving her the opportunity to make such statements.
In response, India later issued a press note firmly rejecting Bangladesh’s assertions.
India reiterated its support for free, fair, inclusive, and credible elections in Bangladesh in a peaceful environment, emphasizing that it has never allowed its territory to be used for actions against Bangladesh’s interests.
India also expressed hope that the interim government of Bangladesh will take all necessary measures to maintain internal law and order.
Bangladesh and India’s ties turned sour after a student-led mass uprising toppled Hasina’s autocratic regime last year. Hasina and many of her party’s top leaders have fled to India. The deposed prime minister and her home minister, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, have been sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity.
India has consistently refused Bangladesh’s requests for extradition.
