India denies hosting anti- Bangladesh activities
The Indian government has rejected claims by Bangladesh’s interim administration regarding alleged anti-Bangladesh activities taking place on Indian soil, calling the accusations “misplaced” and affirming that no such actions are permitted under Indian law.
In a statement issued Wednesday evening, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, said: “The government of India is not aware of any anti-Bangladesh activities by purported members of the Awami League in India, or of any actions that violate Indian law. The government does not allow political activities directed against other countries to be carried out from Indian soil.”
The comments were a direct response to a press release by Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry, which earlier in the day expressed serious concern over reports of the banned Bangladesh Awami League allegedly establishing offices and holding political events in Indian cities, including Delhi and Kolkata.
Dhaka had urged New Delhi to take immediate action to shut down such activities and prevent the use of Indian territory for anti-state operations.
The Indian High Commission in Dhaka disseminated Jaiswal’s remarks to local media, underscoring New Delhi’s position of non-interference and adherence to bilateral respect.
Jaiswal described Bangladesh’s statement as “misplaced,” emphasising that India maintains strict oversight of political activities involving foreign nationals and groups.
At the same time, Jaiswal reaffirmed India’s interest in Bangladesh’s democratic future saying “India iterates 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 exchange comes amid heightened diplomatic sensitivity following the political transition in Bangladesh after the July 2024 uprising. While both nations have emphasized the importance of their strategic partnership, the issue highlights emerging tensions over cross-border political activism and national security concerns.