The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Sunday that India "categorically rejects" the allegations levelled against it and reiterated that it has never allowed its territory to be used for activities inimical to the interests of the Bangladeshi people.
The response came hours after Bangladesh summoned high commissioner Pranay Verma to its foreign ministry, conveying what it described as "deep concern" over Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India, being allowed to make "provocative statements calling on leaders and activists to engage in terrorist activities" in Bangladesh.
In a statement responding to a press note issued by Bangladesh's interim government, it said, "India has consistently reiterated its position in favour of free, fair, inclusive and credible elections being held in Bangladesh in a peaceful atmosphere," adding that New Delhi's stance on the issue has remained unchanged.
In its statement, the MEA rejected any suggestion that India was complicit in destabilising Bangladesh. "India has never allowed its territory to be used for activities inimical to the interests of the friendly people of Bangladesh," it said.
India firmly rejected assertions made by the interim government of Bangladesh, saying New Delhi has consistently supported free, fair and inclusive elections in the neighbouring country and has never allowed its territory to be used for activities hostile to the interests of the Bangladeshi people.
During the meeting, Dhaka also formally sought the immediate extradition of Sheikh Hasina. It further raised what it called "anti-Bangladesh activities" by Awami League (AL) members residing in India, alleging that they were attempting to disrupt the country's upcoming national elections.
During the meeting with the Indian envoy, the ministry urged the Indian government to take prompt steps to stop such activities and to extradite those involved.
In addition, Dhaka sought Delhi's cooperation in preventing the escape to India of suspects linked to the recent attempted assassination of Sharif Osman Hadi, an aspiring independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency.
The ministry requested that, if any suspects enter Indian territory, they should be apprehended immediately and extradited to Bangladesh.
In its statement, the MEA rejected any suggestion that India was complicit in destabilising Bangladesh. "India has never allowed its territory to be used for activities inimical to the interests of the friendly people of Bangladesh," it said.
At the same time, the MEA placed emphasis on Dhaka's responsibility to ensure stability during the electoral process. "We expect that the interim government of Bangladesh will take all necessary measures to ensure internal law and order, including for the purpose of holding peaceful elections," the MEA added.
