By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – Ministry of External Affairs on Sunday said India expected that the interim Government of Bangladesh would take all necessary measures to ensure internal law and order, including for the purpose of holding peaceful elections.
New Delhi on Sunday categorically rejected the Interim Government’s claim that ”fugitive” Awami League members currently based in India were indulging in “anti-Bangladesh activities”, including planning, organizing and facilitating terrorist acts inside the neighboring country with the objective of disrupting the forthcoming elections.
‘’We have consistently reiterated our position in favour of free, fair, inclusive and credible elections being held in Bangladesh in a peaceful atmosphere. India has never allowed its territory to be used for activities inimical to the interests of the friendly people of Bangladesh,’’ the Ministry of External Affairs said.
Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma to convey Dhaka’s strong concerns over India allowing ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to continue making “incendiary” statements from Indian soil.
MEA in a statement issued later, said that Sheikh Hasina a fugitive has been calling on her supporters to engage in terrorist activities aimed at destabilizing the country and derailing the upcoming parliamentary elections.
The MoFA reiterated its demand for the immediate extradition of Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal so they can face sentences already handed down by Bangladesh’s judicial authorities.
The ministry drew the Indian envoy’s attention to “anti-Bangladesh activities” by fugitive Awami League members currently based in India.
These activities, the statement said, include planning, organizing and facilitating terrorist acts inside Bangladesh with the objective of disrupting the forthcoming elections.
“The Indian government was called upon to expeditiously act to end the criminal actions by these fascist terrorists and extradite them to Bangladesh as soon as possible,” the statement said.
