Govt, people of Bangladesh to decide poll format: India

India thinks the government of Bangladesh and its people will decide the process of next parliamentary elections.

India has no comments on demand of opposition parties in Bangladesh for the caretaker administration before the general election.

This was said by Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs of India, in weekly briefing on Thursday.

Asked about the diverse opinion of the international community, he said “World might be commenting. But India is India. And we have a special relationship with the Bangladesh. We only need peaceful free and fair election of the country.”

This is for the first time that India has made official statement on the format of upcoming election in Bangladesh. Months ago, High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Pranay Verma invited opposition leaders of BNP which has no parliamentary representation in the parliament for a dinner meeting after some years.

During the discussion, BNP leaders claimed to have insisted on holding election under the caretaker government. On this issue, Arindam Bagchi  said “We have no comment on the caretaker government. Whatever the people of Bangladesh and they (Government) decide according to their system, it is upto them. We only want a free, fair and peaceful election without violence.”

“Bangladesh is an important neighbour of us. Whatever happens there has a direct impact on us,” he added.

Replying to a query, he scotched a rumour that India is opposing expansion of BRICS.

Already South Africa, the Chair of next BRICS Summit, invited Bangladesh to join BRICS which Bangladesh has accepted. Argentina and UAE are also offered to join the platform. But it is reported in Indian media that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may not join the summit physically. Rather, he will join virtually.

Spokesperson said “Expansion of BRICS will take place following several rules. But it is totally wrong to say that India is opposing expansion.”