India expresses concern over ban on Awami League, Dhaka responds

India expressed concern over the ban on deposed PM Sheikh Hasina's party, Awami League, while calling for free and fair polls in Bangladesh. In a statement, the ministry of foreign affairs said as a democracy, India is naturally concerned at curtailment of democratic freedoms and shrinking political space in the neighbouring country.

"We strongly support the early holding of free, fair and inclusive elections in Bangladesh," said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

Dhaka responded immediately to India's statement saying elections are entirely Bangladesh's internal matter and urged all to respect the "sovereign will of our people in matters relating to elections".

"We have witnessed how Awami League completely destroyed our democratic fabric, severely squeezed our political space and compromised our sovereignty during its 15-year long tyrannical and kleptocratic rule. The wounds caused by crimes perpetrated by this party are still fresh," said Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to chief adviser Muhammad Yunus. "I have already said the ban on activities of this party is necessary to protect national security and sovereignty, ensure the safety of July Movement activists, and safeguard plaintiffs and witnesses of International Crimes Tribunal." On elections, Alam said one must recall how Hasina's party resorted to grossly farcical polls and caused irreparable damage to the electoral processes and institutions.