Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain has dismissed as “completely baseless” the reports in some Indian media outlets suggesting that Bangladesh had links to the recent car explosion near the Red Fort in New Delhi.
Responding to questions from journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday (November 11) evening, Touhid said, “Whenever they get a chance, certain sections of the Indian media try to blame Bangladesh. I want to make it clear that Bangladesh has no connection whatsoever with the incident at the Red Fort.”
He termed such reports “fabricated and irresponsible,” adding that they were not conducive to maintaining friendly relations between the two neighbouring countries.
“Bangladesh has always maintained a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and militancy,” the adviser reaffirmed.
At least 13 Indian citizens were killed and several others injured when a car exploded near a metro station close to the historic Red Fort in Delhi on Monday evening.
The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi expressed deep shock over the incident, saying in a statement on Monday night that “Bangladesh stands by India in this difficult time.”
“Our sincere condolences and prayers are with all the deceased, the injured, and their families,” the statement read.
According to Delhi Police, the explosion occurred in a car parked at a traffic signal at 6:52 pm local time on Monday. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and said he was closely monitoring the situation.
Following the blast, authorities shut down the Red Fort Metro Station, and the monument itself has been closed to visitors for three days — from November 11 to 13. Delhi Police have also issued a high alert across the capital.