New Delhi, Dec 14: India on Sunday asserted that it has never allowed its territory to be used for activities inimical to the interests of Bangladesh and pressed for holding the upcoming parliamentary polls in that country in a peaceful atmosphere.
India’s reaction came hours after the Bangladesh foreign ministry summoned Indian envoy to Dhaka, Pranay Verma, and conveyed its concern over former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s “incendiary” statements from Indian soil.
According to a readout released by Dhaka, the foreign ministry also brought to Verma’s notice the activities of some members of Hasina-led Awami League while staying in India.
“India categorically rejects the assertions made by the interim government of Bangladesh in its press note,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
It said India has consistently reiterated its position in favour of free, fair, inclusive and credible elections in Bangladesh in a peaceful atmosphere.
“India has never allowed its territory to be used for activities inimical to the interests of the friendly people of Bangladesh,” the MEA said.
“We expect that the interim government of Bangladesh will take all necessary measures for ensuring internal law and order, including for the purpose of holding peaceful elections,” it said in a statement.
The parliamentary elections in Bangladesh will be held on February 12. It will be the first general election after the collapse of the Hasina government in August last year following massive protests.
The Awami League has rejected the elections saying the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus will not be able to hold the polls in a free and normal environment. (PTI)
