India has firmly denied Bangladesh’s recent allegations that members of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League are conducting anti-Bangladesh activities from Indian territory. The Indian government dismissed these claims as baseless and emphasized that such accusations are entirely misplaced. In an official statement issued on Wednesday, India reiterated that it does not permit any foreign political group to operate within its borders and described Dhaka’s assertions as unfounded and without evidence.
The Ministry of External Affairs clarified that the Government of India has no knowledge of any anti-Bangladesh activities allegedly being carried out by Awami League members from Indian soil. It further underlined that Indian law strictly prohibits political activities directed against another nation from being conducted within its territory. The ministry stated that the press release issued by the interim government in Dhaka was misguided and did not reflect the reality on the ground.
At the same time, India once again stressed its long-standing position that Bangladesh should ensure free, fair, and inclusive elections at the earliest possible time. Such elections, New Delhi emphasized, are essential for guaranteeing that the political process reflects the genuine will and mandate of the Bangladeshi people. India’s reiteration of this expectation highlights its concern for stability and democratic processes in its neighboring country.
Bangladesh, however, has previously raised concerns directly with New Delhi about reports suggesting that the Awami League has set up offices in Indian cities such as Delhi and Kolkata. In an official communication, Dhaka requested that India take immediate measures to prevent any Bangladeshi national from engaging in activities perceived as harmful to Bangladesh’s interests while residing on Indian territory.
Sheikh Hasina, who served as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister for several terms, has been living in India since her removal from office on August 5, 2024. Her ouster came in the wake of a massive student-led movement opposing her government. The protests were bolstered by opposition forces, including Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Islamist groups such as Jamaat-e-Islami, eventually leading to the formation of an interim government headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus as Chief Advisor.
Since the formation of the new interim government, relations between India and Bangladesh have shown clear signs of strain. A major point of contention has been the series of violent incidents targeting Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. India has repeatedly urged Dhaka to take strong measures to curb such attacks, but its appeals have largely gone unheeded, deepening bilateral tensions.
Amid growing discontent both at home and abroad, Muhammad Yunus recently announced that Bangladesh will hold its next general elections in February 2026. This declaration comes in response to mounting pressure on the interim government to restore democratic order and legitimacy. However, with relations between New Delhi and Dhaka still fragile, the path ahead for the two neighbors remains uncertain.
