India on Sunday firmly rejected allegations by Bangladesh’s interim government that it is allowing former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to make “incendiary statements” from Indian soil to incite unrest and terrorism in Bangladesh.
The response came shortly after Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma was summoned to Bangladesh’s foreign ministry in Dhaka, where officials lodged a protest over Hasina’s activities. Hasina has been living in self-imposed exile in India since the collapse of her government in August 2024.
India Rejects Dhaka Allegations
In a statement, India’s external affairs ministry said New Delhi has “never allowed its territory to be used for activities inimical to the interests of the friendly people of Bangladesh.” It also reiterated India’s consistent support for free, fair and inclusive elections in Bangladesh, urging the interim government to ensure law and order ahead of the polls.
Bangladesh is scheduled to hold parliamentary elections on February 12. Former prime minister Hasina’s Awami League has been barred from contesting by the country’s election commission.
Dhaka Presses Extradition Demand
The Bangladesh foreign ministry alleged that Hasina was calling on her supporters to engage in violent activities aimed at disrupting the upcoming elections. It also renewed its demand for Hasina’s extradition, along with that of former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.
