‘Misplaced’: India dismisses Dhaka’s claim of illegal Awami activities; calls for free and fair election in Bangladesh

Bangladesh on Wednesday strongly objected to the reported setting up of offices by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s banned Bangladesh Awami League party in New Delhi and Kolkata, warning that such activities could strain long-standing bilateral ties with India.

However, in response, India said it is not aware of any such activities by members of the Awami League, nor of any actions that violate Indian law.

“The Government of India is not aware of any anti-Bangladesh activities by purported members of the 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,” MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement.

“The Press Statement by the Interim Government of Bangladesh is thus misplaced. India reiterates its expectation that free, fair and inclusive elections will be held at the earliest in Bangladesh to ascertain the will and mandate of the people,” the statement added.

Activities by the banned BANGLADESH AWAMI LEAGUE on Indian soil risks long-term friendship and multifarious engagements between #Bangladesh & #India as also mutual trust and respect between two (🇧🇩-🇮🇳) #people. pic.twitter.com/nzVqKaajNE

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs (@BDMOFA) August 20, 2025

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over what it described as “growing anti-Bangladesh activities” being carried out from Indian soil by leaders of the banned party.

“Many of the senior leaders of the party, absconding in several criminal cases in Bangladesh on account of grievous crimes committed against humanity, remain in the Indian territory. Earlier, on 21 July 2025 evening, under the garb of an in descript NGO, some of the senior leaders of this banned party planned to hold a public outreach at the Delhi Press Club and eventually distributed booklets among the attending members of the press. To date, several reports in Indian media affirm increasing overtures of the party while being on the Indian soil,” the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry described these developments as a “clear affront” to Bangladesh and its people, emphasising that allowing such political activity, especially by individuals facing criminal charges, undermines mutual trust and respect between the two countries.

“This may also trigger public sentiment in Bangladesh, which may in turn impact the ongoing efforts of the two countries in further enhancing the relationship between the two closest neighbours,” the statement added.

Dhaka called on New Delhi to take urgent steps to prevent any anti-Bangladesh activity by Bangladeshi nationals on Indian soil. It also urged the Indian government to immediately shut down any offices linked to the banned Awami League.

In May, Bangladesh banned all activities of the Awami League, including its online presence, under the Anti-Terrorism Act until ongoing trials for alleged war crimes of the party and its leaders are concluded.

The decision was made on May 10, 2025 at a special meeting of the Advisory Council of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government in Bangladesh. The council also approved an amendment to the International Crimes Tribunal Act, allowing the tribunal to penalise political parties, their affiliated organisations, and supporters.

With inputs from agencies