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Published : 13 Mar 2025, 08:15 PM
The foreign ministry has said the comments made by Randhir Jaiswal of India’s Ministry of External Affairs about elections, law and order, and treatment of minorities in Bangladesh are “unwanted and misleading”.
In a weekly briefing on Thursday, foreign ministry spokesperson Rafiqul Alam expressed concern over statements made by his Indian counterpart Randhir Jaiswal on Mar 7.
Urging the Indian government to prevent making remarks in future, Alam said: “Bangladesh believes that these issues are purely internal affairs, and such comments amount to interference.”
“They misrepresent the reality on the ground.”
The sharp response underscores growing tensions between Dhaka and New Delhi in the wake of a significant shift in the political landscape in Bangladesh.
Relations between India and the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus have been strained since the departure of Sheikh Hasina, who stepped down after 15 years in power in the face of mass protests.
During a press briefing in New Delhi on Friday, Jaiswal said: “We remain concerned about the deteriorating law and order situation, further exacerbated by the release of violent extremists, who were sentenced for serious crimes.”
He also emphasised India’s support for a “stable, peaceful, inclusive and progressive Bangladesh,” where disputes are resolved democratically, and by holding “participatory elections”.
India has also raised alarms over reports of attacks on religious minorities in Bangladesh following the change in government.
Jaiswal stated that New Delhi expects Bangladeshi authorities to conduct thorough investigations into incidents of violence, arson, and killings and to ensure justice without bias.
Alam, however, brushed off his words as undue interference.
He reaffirmed Dhaka’s commitment to "sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference" in the affairs of other nations.
“Bangladesh is committed to developing friendly and constructive relations with India based on mutual respect, trust, and understanding,” he said.
“From that perspective, we hope the Indian government will take necessary steps to prevent the recurrence of such comments.”
