Dhaka labels India’s statement ‘Unwarranted’
Diplomatic Correspondent :
The interim government has firmly rejected recent comments by India regarding its internal matters, labelling them as “unexpected” and “undesirable.”
The remarks came amidst rising diplomatic tensions between the two neighbours following the fall of the Awami League government in a mass uprising last August, which forced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to seek refuge in India.
Hasina’s recent controversial speech from Delhi, criticising the student movement and the interim government, reportedly provoked acts of arson and vandalism at Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic residence at Dhanmondi 32 in Dhaka.
In response to these events, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement condemning the vandalism.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on 6 February, “It is regrettable that the historic residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a symbol of heroic resistance for the people of Bangladesh, has been targeted. This act of vandalism should be strongly condemned.”
Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the Indian remarks as interference in its domestic affairs. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam, addressing journalists on Sunday, said, “Bangladesh does not make official statements on the internal affairs of any state, and we expect the same conduct from others.”
He added, “You are aware that the former Prime Minister, while residing in India, has been making various political statements, which are not being well-received by the people of Bangladesh.
Regarding the situation at Dhanmondi 32 on 5 February 2025, the interim government has already clarified its position. In this context, the statement issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs is unexpected and unwarranted.”
The Foreign Ministry also summoned India’s Acting High Commissioner in Dhaka to hand over a protest note, requesting the Indian government to restrain Sheikh Hasina from making further statements that could destabilise the situation in Bangladesh.
In a countermeasure, India summoned Bangladesh’s Deputy High Commissioner in Delhi. The Bangladeshi government, meanwhile, has expressed strong objections to what it describes as “false and fabricated statements” made by Sheikh Hasina from Delhi via social media and other platforms, which it claims are aimed at creating unrest in Bangladesh.
Alam reiterated that Bangladesh expects mutual respect for sovereignty and non-interference from its neighbours, stating, “We have witnessed various adverse situations in our neighbouring country. However, Bangladesh does not comment on the internal affairs of other states.
We expect the same conduct from others.”
The diplomatic row reflects ongoing tensions in the region, with both sides urging restraint and adherence to established protocols to maintain bilateral relations.