Dhaka dismisses Indian advice on Bangladesh election

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain today said Bangladesh does not seek advice from India on its election process, describing recent comments from New Delhi as unacceptable while reaffirming the interim government’s commitment to holding a free, fair and credible national election.

“We do not want advice from our neighbours on how elections in Bangladesh should be conducted,” he told journalists at the Foreign Ministry this afternoon.

Touhid said India remained silent when what he described as farcical elections were held during the tenure of the ousted Awami League government. “Now that we are moving towards a credible election, advice is suddenly being offered. I find this completely unacceptable,” he said.

The adviser said the interim government has been clear since its first day about creating an environment where citizens can vote freely and with dignity—an environment he said was absent over the past 15 years.

He noted that India maintained close relations with the previous government during that period but did not raise concerns despite widespread criticism of the electoral process.

“Bangladesh knows what steps are needed to ensure a credible election. People will be able to vote freely, and those they choose will be elected. That is our commitment,” Touhid said.

Commenting on recent diplomatic exchanges, he said the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka was summoned last Sunday, followed by the summoning of Bangladesh’s High Commissioner in New Delhi today. “This is not unusual. Such actions occur when there are differences of opinion,” he added.

Touhid also referred to statements made by deposed Sheikh Hasina while staying in India, saying her remarks—often carried in mainstream platforms—contain provocation and risk creating instability.

“When a person convicted by a court seeks to destabilise the country from a neighbouring state, it is not unusual to ask for such statements to stop or for her return,” he said.

He acknowledged that tensions have existed in Bangladesh–India relations since the formation of the interim government but said Dhaka wants constructive and cooperative ties with New Delhi. “We want the relationship to move forward, but both sides must make efforts, while respecting each other’s positions,” he added.

Responding to concerns raised by India over security at its High Commission in Dhaka, Touhid said security was strengthened in view of a planned programme surrounding the mission and that authorities ensured full protection.

He also recalled similar incidents involving demonstrations in front of Bangladesh missions in Kolkata and Agartala, noting that the mission in Agartala had previously come under attack.