The interim government has summoned the Indian high commissioner to Bangladesh, expressing serious concern over what it described as “incendiary statements” by ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, amid escalating political violence ahead of the parliamentary elections.
Dhaka accuses Sheikh Hasina, currently in New Delhi, of attempting to undermine the upcoming polls through political interventions from abroad.
The diplomatic move comes days after a shooting attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, a prospective candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency, who was injured in what authorities described as an apparent assassination attempt.
The attack took place in broad daylight on Friday, less than 24 hours after the election schedule for the 13th national polls was announced. The incident triggered widespread public outrage, with citizens demanding swift justice.
Political leaders across party lines met Chief Adviser Muhammed Yunus on Saturday, urging the interim government to ensure the safety of candidates and maintain law and order during the election period.
On Sunday, Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, amid concerns in Dhaka that the suspect in the shooting might attempt to flee across the border.
Bangladesh urged Indian authorities to apprehend and extradite the suspect should he enter Indian territory.
In a press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs alleged that fugitive members of the Awami League currently staying in India were carrying out “terrorist activities” inside Bangladesh with the aim of disrupting the election process.
The statement called on New Delhi to take immediate action to halt what it termed “criminal activities by fascist terrorists” and to extradite those involved.
India rejects allegations
Later on Sunday evening, India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement rejecting the Bangladeshi government’s assertions.
New Delhi said it expected Bangladesh’s interim government to take all necessary measures to maintain internal law and order and ensure peaceful elections.
“We have consistently reiterated our position in favour of free, fair, inclusive and credible elections being held in Bangladesh in a peaceful atmosphere,” the statement said. “India has never allowed its territory to be used for activities inimical to the interests of the friendly people of Bangladesh.”
Domestic pressure mounts
A former Bangladeshi diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, told TIMES of Bangladesh that the interim government was under intense domestic pressure to demonstrate control over the security situation.
“The assassination attempt exposed serious vulnerabilities, and the government needs to be seen as acting decisively,” he said.
By summoning the Indian high commissioner, the interim government appears to be sending a dual message — reassuring the domestic audience of its resolve to maintain security, while signalling to New Delhi that allowing Sheikh Hasina to conduct political activities from Indian soil could destabilise Bangladesh and jeopardise efforts to hold a peaceful election.
