Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 14: India on Sunday firmly dismissed allegations made by Bangladesh’s interim government, reiterating that New Delhi has consistently supported the conduct of free, fair, inclusive and credible elections in Bangladesh in a peaceful environment.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it “categorically rejects” the assertions made in a press note issued by the interim government of Bangladesh on December 14, 2025. The ministry stressed that India has never permitted its territory to be used for activities that harm the interests of the Bangladeshi people.
“India has consistently reiterated its position in favour of free, fair, inclusive and credible elections in Bangladesh, conducted in a peaceful atmosphere,” the MEA said. It added that New Delhi expects the interim authorities in Dhaka to ensure internal law and order, particularly to facilitate calm and orderly elections.
The clarification came after Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma, expressing concern over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina making what Dhaka described as provocative statements from India. Bangladeshi authorities also sought her immediate extradition, according to local media reports.
Earlier in November, India confirmed that it had received Bangladesh’s formal request for Sheikh Hasina’s extradition. Responding to queries at a weekly briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the request is under examination through established judicial and internal legal procedures. He reiterated India’s commitment to the peace, democracy, stability and inclusive development of Bangladesh.
The extradition request followed a verdict by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), which on November 17 sentenced Sheikh Hasina to death after convicting her of crimes against humanity linked to the July 2024 demonstrations. The tribunal also handed down a death sentence to former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and sentenced former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun to five years in prison after he turned a state witness.
Sheikh Hasina has since rejected the tribunal’s ruling, alleging it was delivered by a “rigged” court established by the unelected interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. She has described the judgment as politically motivated and lacking democratic legitimacy.