Highlights
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Bangladesh rejects India’s unsolicited advice on the upcoming national election
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Government vows to ensure a free and fair election environment after years of controversy
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Strong objection raised over Sheikh Hasina’s political statements from India
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Criticism of India’s narrative on Bangladesh’s role in the Liberation War
Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has stated that India’s advice regarding the country’s upcoming national parliamentary election is unacceptable. He made the remarks while speaking to journalists at his office in the Secretariat on Wednesday afternoon. Referring to recent comments from India, he said:
“ভারতের এই অযাচিত নসিহত অগ্রহণযোগ্য। আমরা বাংলাদেশে একটি সুষ্ঠু নির্বাচনের দিকে এগিয়ে যাচ্ছি। এর জন্য প্রতিবেশীদের থেকে কোনো নসিহত গ্রহণের প্রয়োজন নেই।”
Translation: “This unsolicited advice from India is unacceptable. We are moving towards a free and fair election in Bangladesh. We do not need advice from neighboring countries for this.”
Md Touhid Hossain emphasized that the current government is committed to organizing an election in a positive and credible environment, something that, according to him, had been absent over the last 15 years.
He also expressed concern over statements made by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India. The adviser noted that her comments have intensified over time, moving from social media to mainstream media platforms.
“শেখ হাসিনা ভারতে বসে আগে সোশ্যাল মিডিয়ায় বক্তব্য দিতেন। এখন তিনি সংবাদমাধ্যমেও বক্তব্য দিচ্ছেন। তার বক্তব্যে যথেষ্ট উসকানি আছে।”
Translation: “Sheikh Hasina earlier used to make statements on social media while staying in India. Now she is speaking through the media as well. Her statements contain significant provocation.”
He further stated that since Sheikh Hasina has been convicted through legal proceedings, Bangladesh has legitimate grounds to object to her alleged attempts to create instability while staying in a neighboring country.
“আদালতের মাধ্যমে দণ্ডপ্রাপ্ত হয়ে তিনি পাশের দেশে বসে অস্থিরতা সৃষ্টির চেষ্টা করবেন—এটাতে তো আমরা আপত্তি জানাবই।”
Translation: “After being convicted by a court, if she attempts to create instability while staying in a neighboring country, we will certainly object.”
The adviser criticized India for neither stopping her political statements nor responding to Bangladesh’s request for her return, while instead offering advice on Bangladesh’s election process.
“বাংলাদেশে নির্বাচন কেমন হবে এটা নিয়ে আমরা প্রতিবেশীদের উপদেশ চাই না।”
Translation: “We do not seek advice from our neighbors on how elections should be conducted in Bangladesh.”
Addressing a question about comments made by Hasnat Abdullah regarding India’s Seven Sisters region, Md Touhid Hossain made Bangladesh’s position clear:
“বাংলাদেশ কোনো সন্ত্রাসবাদে বিশ্বাস করে না। আমরা কোনো বিচ্ছিন্নতাবাদীকে আমাদের ভূমিতে আশ্রয় দেব না।”
Translation: “Bangladesh does not believe in terrorism. We will not provide shelter to any separatist on our soil.”
He clarified that while individuals may express political opinions, no government in Bangladesh would ever support separatism or terrorism. Responding to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on the Liberation War, the foreign affairs adviser said:
“ভারত সব সময় মুক্তিযুদ্ধে বাংলাদেশের ভূমিকাকে খাটো করে দেখানোর চেষ্টা করে। এটা গ্রহণযোগ্য নয়।”
Translation: “India has always tried to undermine Bangladesh’s role in the Liberation War. This is not acceptable.”
Md Touhid Hossain’s remarks underline Bangladesh’s firm stance on sovereignty, democratic processes, and historical recognition. The government maintains that the upcoming election will be conducted transparently and without external influence, while also asserting its right to object to actions it sees as destabilizing or dismissive of Bangladesh’s national identity.
Source: Kaler Kantho
