Bangladesh’s accusations are misplaced, says Centre

The Union government on Wednesday (August 20, 2025) said that India does not allow foreign outfits to carry out political activities targeting any country from Indian territory.

Bangladesh had accused India of hosting Awami League (AL) leaders and described the alleged activities of these leaders as an “unambiguous affront” to the people and state of Bangladesh. Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs described Bangladesh’s concerns as “misplaced”.

“The Government of India is not aware of any anti-Bangladesh activities by purported members of the Awami League in India or of any action that is contrary to Indian law,” Mr. Jaiswal said.

Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh had accused India of allowing “growing anti-Bangladesh activities” by the leadership of the Awami League which was banned last year after the Awami League government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was overthrown in a student-people uprising prompting Ms. Hasina to seek shelter in India.

“Any form of political activity campaigning against the interests of Bangladesh by Bangladeshi nationals, particularly by the absconding leaders/activists of a banned political party, staying on Indian soil, legally or illegally, including the establishment of offices is an unambiguous affront against the people and State of Bangladesh,” said the MoFA Bangladesh. The statement cited an event held at the Press Club of India on July 21 where a civil society outfit with ties with Bangladeshi diaspora spoke about the law and order situation in Bangladesh and distributed books and reading materials during the event and said such activities “may trigger public sentiment in Bangladesh which may in turn impact the ongoing efforts of the two countries in further enhancing the relationship between the two closest neighbours.”

The interim government of Bangladesh has banned Awami League citing the involvement of its top leaders in the crackdown against civilians and students during July-August 2024 before the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina government. Though many Awami League leaders are in hiding, the party maintains a large cadre base who recently clashed with ruling establishment’s student supporters in Gopalganj.

“India reiterates its expectation that free, fair and inclusive elections will be held at the earliest in Bangldesh to ascertain the will and mandate of the people,” said Mr. Jaiswal.