MoFA summons Indian HC Pranay over ‘interference, terror links’

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday summoned Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma, raising serious concerns over what it described as India’s failure to prevent alleged anti-Bangladesh activities by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and other fugitive Awami League leaders currently staying in India.

During the meeting in Dhaka, Bangladesh conveyed its deep concern to the Indian government, accusing Sheikh Hasina of making repeated provocative statements from Indian territory that allegedly incite her supporters to engage in terrorist activities and attempt to undermine the country’s upcoming parliamentary elections.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said such remarks are being viewed as a grave threat to Bangladesh’s law and order situation and its democratic process.

Dhaka iterated its demand for the prompt extradition of Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to face legal proceedings and punishment as determined by Bangladesh’s judicial authorities.

The ministry also drew the Indian High Commissioner’s attention to what it termed “anti-Bangladesh activities” carried out by fugitive Awami League members residing in India. 

According to Dhaka, these individuals are allegedly involved in planning, organising and facilitating terrorist acts aimed at destabilising the country and disrupting the forthcoming elections.

Bangladesh urged India to take urgent and effective steps to stop such activities.

In addition, Dhaka sought India’s cooperation in preventing suspects linked to the recent assassination attempt on Bangladeshi political leader Sharif Osman Hadi from fleeing to India. 

If any such individuals have already entered Indian territory, Bangladesh called for their immediate arrest and extradition.

As a neighbouring country, the Foreign Ministry said, India is expected to play a responsible role in upholding justice and safeguarding Bangladesh’s democratic process.

Responding to the concerns, High Commissioner Pranay Verma said India expects peaceful elections to be held in Bangladesh and expressed his country’s readiness to extend all possible cooperation towards that end.