New Delh: India has called on Bangladesh to conduct inclusive, free, and fair elections at the earliest opportunity to reflect the genuine will of its people. The statement came following Bangladeshi interim leader Muhammad Yunus’s announcement that elections will be held between December 2025 and June 30, 2026. Yunus has pledged not to remain in power beyond this period.
Addressing the issue during a weekly briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s consistent stance. “Bangladesh needs to ascertain the will and mandate of the people by holding an inclusive, fair, and free election at an early date,” he said.
The political atmosphere in Bangladesh remains tense, with multiple factions questioning the legitimacy and timeline of the interim government. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has demanded that elections be held as early as December 2025, criticizing the prolonged rule of the Yunus-led administration. Adding to the complexity, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman has also shown support for elections being conducted by December. Meanwhile, the National Citizens Party (NCP)—a recently formed party led by students who ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina—is calling for structural reforms prior to any vote.
Amid rising tensions, Yunus has accused India of interfering in Bangladesh’s internal affairs, suggesting that external forces were attempting to destabilize the country. He claimed that both internal and external efforts were contributing to a “war-like situation,” and shared articles on social media accusing Indian right-wing media of running a disinformation campaign against his transitional government.
India, however, dismissed the allegations. Jaiswal responded firmly, saying, “Responsibility for law and order and governance lies entirely with the government there.” He added that blaming external actors for internal issues does not address the underlying governance challenges. “When statements of this sort come, it seems like an attempt to deflect attention away from domestic difficulties,” he remarked.
Despite the accusations, India reaffirmed its desire for a stable and cooperative relationship with Bangladesh. “We want a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh, one anchored in meeting the aspirations and the interests of the people on both sides,” Jaiswal said.
India’s comments highlight both its strategic interest in a stable neighborhood and its concerns about the political uncertainty in Dhaka. As Bangladesh navigates its transition, regional and international stakeholders continue to monitor the situation closely.
