A day after Gopalganj clashes, India reiterates call for Bangladesh election ‘with everybody in its fold’

NEW DELHI

India on Thursday (July 17, 2025) reiterated that the next election of Bangladesh should be “inclusive” and have “everybody in its fold”. The official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs commented on the election a day after student leaders of the interim government-backed National Citizens Party (NCP) clashed with cadres of the Awami League in the latter’s stronghold of Gopalganj, which houses the memorial of Bangladesh’s founder, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

“On elections in Bangladesh, you know our point of view. We have said that as a democracy we would welcome holding of elections, that is inclusive and includes everybody in its fold,” said official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

The clashes in Gopalganj occurred after NCP leaders arrived outside the memorial of Sheikh Mujib, which is guarded by Awami League activists. On May 10, the interim government banned political activities by the Awami League. Earlier, the student wing of the Awami League, Chhatra League, was banned in October 2024. Chief Adviser Prof. Mohammed Yunus, in his Eid speech delivered on June 6, said that elections in Bangladesh would be held in April 2026, stating, “This election would witness participation of the largest number of people and political parties.”

The clash in Gopalganj has demonstrated that, despite the ban, the Awami League has remained active on the ground, especially in its traditional strongholds. The violence and subsequent police firing claimed at least four lives, with both sides giving conflicting reports.

In a press statement, the interim government announced that a committee has been formed to investigate the violence in Gopalganj. Sources in the Awami League countered the interim government by circulating an audio statement purportedly by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in which she condemned the interim government and accused the NCP of extortion and violence.