Stresses inclusive electionsIndia seeks closer ties with Bangladesh

Highlighting the importance of stability and inclusive elections in Bangladesh, India has said it wants close and friendly relations with the people of Bangladesh, which is rooted in the liberation struggle and strengthened through various development and people-to-people initiatives.

“We are in favour of peace and stability in Bangladesh and have consistently called for free, fair, inclusive and credible elections conducted in a peaceful atmosphere,” Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) told reporters in New Delhi.

Responding to a question during a weekly briefing on Friday, Jaiswal said they support free, fair and inclusive elections in Bangladesh, and the return of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman from London should be seen in that context.

In response to another question, the MEA spokesperson said their point on Bangladesh has been very clear and consistent all throughout.

“India stands for strengthening our ties with the people of Bangladesh. We favour peace and stability in Bangladesh and also our point of view on elections, you are aware. We stand for free, fair, inclusive and participatory elections in Bangladesh, which is to be held in a peaceful atmosphere,” he said.

Regarding anti-India remarks, Jaiswal said they have issued more than a couple of statements over the last few days and they have rejected the “false” narrative that has been projected in Bangladesh.

“You would understand that the law and order or security situation or the developments that are happening in Bangladesh is the responsibility of the Government of Bangladesh. And to portray a narrative where things go in some other direction is completely false and we reject that,” said the MEA Spokesperson.

He said they are all aware of the recent developments in Bangladesh and have been closely following them. “And as far as the law and order situation is concerned, I have been apprising you from time to time as to what our position has been or should be and is today.”

Jaiswal said the “unremitting hostility” against minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Christians and Buddhists at the “hands of extremists” is a matter of grave concern.

“We condemn the recent gruesome killing of a Hindu youth in Mymensingh, and expect that the perpetrators of the crime would be brought to justice,” he said.

Earlier, Bangladesh rejected the attempt of the Indian authorities to depict an “isolated attack” on a Bangladeshi citizen, who happens to belong to the Hindu community, as attacks on minorities.

"The government of Bangladesh has promptly apprehended the suspects in this incident," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on Sunday.

The inter-communal situation in Bangladesh is better than in many other parts in South Asia, said the MoFA.