Diplomatic unease surfaced on Tuesday after the Interim Government of Bangladesh raised serious concerns over the alleged presence and activities of the banned Bangladesh Awami League on Indian soil, specifically in Delhi and Kolkata.
In an official statement, Dhaka claimed that the Awami League — outlawed in Bangladesh and accused of crimes against humanity— has reportedly established offices in India and is engaging in anti-Bangladesh political campaigning. The statement further alleged that senior party leaders, wanted in Bangladesh and currently absconding, are operating from Indian territory under the guise of NGOs.
Citing a specific incident on July 21, the Bangladesh Government claimed that Awami League leaders held a public outreach event at the Delhi Press Club, distributing politically charged material. Multiple Indian media reports, it said, have hinted at increasing political overtures by these individuals, raising concerns in Dhaka.
Labelling such activities as a “clear affront” to Bangladesh’s sovereignty and internal affairs, the statement warned that this development could disrupt the traditionally strong India-Bangladesh relationship and fuel public unrest in Bangladesh. Dhaka called on the Indian Government to act immediately by shutting down any Awami League offices and preventing further anti-Bangladesh political activity on Indian soil. In response, Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal firmly denied the allegations.
“The Government of India is not aware of any anti-Bangladesh activities by purported members of the Awami League in India or of any action that is contrary to Indian law,” he stated. He emphasised that India does not permit political activities against any foreign country to be conducted from its territory. Dismissing the Bangladeshi concerns as “misplaced,” Jaiswal reiterated India’s support for democratic processes in Bangladesh, urging free, fair, and inclusive elections to reflect the will of the Bangladeshi people.
As both nations navigate this sensitive episode, the exchange highlights the fragile balance between domestic political developments in Bangladesh and the strategic neighbourhood diplomacy that India continues to pursue.
