Dhaka summons Indian envoy over 'anti-election activities' by fugitive political figures
The ministry has urged the Indian government to apprehend suspected attackers of Osman Hadi if they enter its territory
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs today (14 December) summoned the Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma to convey Bangladesh's concerns over what it described as anti-election activities involving fugitive political figures currently staying in India.
According to a press release issued by the ministry, Bangladesh expressed serious concern over former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's continued public statements, which the government said were encouraging her supporters to engage in violent activities aimed at disrupting the upcoming parliamentary elections.
During the meeting, Bangladesh reiterated its request for the extradition of Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to face sentences issued by judicial authorities in Bangladesh.
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The ministry also drew the envoy's attention to the activities of fugitive Awami League members residing in India, alleging that they were involved in planning, organising and facilitating violent acts inside Bangladesh to obstruct the election process.
It urged the Indian government to take prompt steps to stop such activities and to extradite those involved.
Arrest suspected attackers of Hadi if they enter India, says ministry
In addition, Dhaka sought Delhi's cooperation in preventing the escape to India of suspects linked to the recent attempted assassination of Sharif Osman Hadi, an aspiring independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency.
The ministry requested that, if any suspects enter Indian territory, they be apprehended immediately and extradited to Bangladesh.
The ministry said that, as a neighbouring country, India was expected to support the people of Bangladesh in upholding justice and protecting democratic processes.
In response, the Indian high commissioner said India looked forward to peaceful elections in Bangladesh and expressed his country's willingness to extend cooperation in this regard.
