Following India’s comments on Bangladesh’s internal affairs, especially regarding the upcoming elections, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said “elections are entirely our internal matter. We urge all to respect the sovereign will of our people in matters relating to elections.”
Alam, through a Facebook post on Tuesday, emphasised the interim government’s stance on electoral sovereignty as the comments come at a sensitive time, with discussions surrounding the integrity and fairness of future elections in Bangladesh.
“We recall how the Awami League repeatedly resorted to grossly farcical elections and caused irreparable damages to our electoral processes and institutions. We are engaged in a reform process to rebuild our democratic system,” he stated.
As spokesperson of Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern over ban on Awami League activities, he said: The wounds caused by the crimes against humanity perpetrated by this party are still fresh” as Alam further asserted that a ban on the Awami League’s activities is necessary to protect national security and sovereignty, ensure the safety of July Movement activists and safeguard plaintiffs and witnesses of the International Crimes Tribunal.
Alam accused the Awami League of “completely destroying the country’s democratic fabric, severely squeezing the political space and compromised sovereignty during its 15-year long tyrannical and kleptocratic rule.”
Regarding the electoral process, the press secretary criticised the now-defunct AL’s past conduct. “We recall how the Awami League repeatedly resorted to grossly farcical elections and caused irreparable damages to our electoral processes and institutions.”
