Dhaka does not seek advice from Delhi on the election process, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has said, calling India’s recent comments unacceptable.
“We do not want advice from our neighbors on how elections should be held,” he said while responding to journalists at the Foreign Ministry this afternoon (December 17).
India remained silent when farcical elections were held under the ousted Awami League regime, he noted.
Touhid was referring to recent statements from India regarding Bangladesh’s upcoming elections. “We are working toward a good election, and suddenly they are offering advice. I find this completely unacceptable,” the adviser said.
He emphasized that the interim government has been clear from its first day that it intends to create an environment where citizens can vote freely and with dignity—an environment that has been absent for the past 15 years.
The adviser noted that India maintained close relations with the ousted Awami League government during that period but did not raise concerns despite widespread criticism of the electoral process.
Touhid said Bangladesh is fully aware of the steps needed to ensure a credible election. “People will be able to vote freely, and those they vote for will be elected. That is our commitment,” he said.
The adviser acknowledged that tensions in Bangladesh-India relations have existed since the formation of the interim government.
“We want the relationship to move forward, but both parties must work toward that goal. We also have our own positions and objections on certain issues,” he added.
