Bangladesh’s interim government has firmly rejected Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s remarks on the country’s general election, labeling them as “completely unwarranted” and emphasizing that the matter is strictly a domestic affair. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain stated that external commentary on Bangladesh’s electoral process was inappropriate, underlining the country’s insistence on handling its political affairs independently.
Misri had earlier expressed India’s preference for free, fair, and inclusive elections in Bangladesh at the earliest possible time, adding that New Delhi was prepared to work with whichever government emerged from the polls. The comments, however, were interpreted by Dhaka as interference, particularly against the backdrop of heightened tensions following the interim government’s rise to power.
The political landscape in Bangladesh has been tumultuous since the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, after a student-led movement known as the “July Uprising” forced her to leave for India. The interim government assumed control in the wake of this upheaval and subsequently took measures against the Awami League, suspending its political activities until trials of Hasina and her associates are concluded. These trials accuse the former regime of attempting to suppress protesters violently and of other alleged abuses during her tenure from 2009.
Observers noted that Misri’s call for “inclusive and participatory” elections carried political weight, especially since most senior Awami League figures were either imprisoned or in exile. Dhaka’s rejection of his statement reflects its broader effort to assert sovereignty and prevent perceived foreign influence over its transitional political process.
Tensions between Dhaka and New Delhi have been further complicated by the interim government’s request for Sheikh Hasina’s extradition to face trial, highlighting the growing diplomatic sensitivities between the two neighboring countries. Analysts suggest that while India’s engagement signals concern for democratic norms, the interim government’s firm response underscores its determination to control the narrative around Bangladesh’s political future.
