India says its territory not used against Bangladesh's interests

India has reiterated that its territory has never been used for any activities harmful to the interests of the people of Bangladesh.

In a statement issued today (14 December), the Indian External Affairs Ministry reaffirmed India's consistent support for free, fair, inclusive, and credible elections in Bangladesh.

The statement comes after the foreign ministry of Bangladesh summoned the Indian envoy today over alleged anti-election activities by fugitive political figures.

       Dhaka summons Indian envoy over 'anti-election activities'  by fugitive political figures  

In the statement, India rejected the assertions made by the interim government of Bangladesh.

India further stated that it expects the interim government of Bangladesh to take all necessary measures to ensure internal law and order, including steps required to conduct peaceful elections.

Earlier in the day, the foreign ministry 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 with the Indian envoy, the ministry urged the Indian government to take prompt steps to stop such activities and to extradite those involved.

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.