Govt deplores India's act of allowing Hasina’s public address

Bangladesh deplores allowing unseated former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to address a public event in New Delhi as such developments could have "adverse implications" for the country's political transition and upcoming general election.

In a press release issued Sunday, Bangladesh's foreign ministry said the government and people were "surprised" by the decision to allow Hasina to speak at the event on January 23. According to the statement, her remarks included calls for the removal of the current administration that Dhaka says could encourage unrest ahead of the elections.

The foreign ministry said Bangladesh was disappointed that, despite repeated requests under the existing bilateral extradition agreement, India had not yet acted on Dhaka's request regarding extraditing Hasina. "Allowing her to make public statements from Indian territories caused concern in Bangladesh."

Dhaka warns such developments could affect its democratic transition and the overall security environment during a sensitive political period.

The statement also said Bangladesh viewed the episode as inconsistent with established norms of inter-state relations, including respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs and principles of good neighbourly relations.

A note of caution expressed that the incident could have "longer-term implications for bilateral ties if similar situations were to recur".

Referring to the Awami League, the foreign ministry said recent statements by party leaders reinforced the interim government's decision to restrict its activities.

'The government would closely monitor the situation and hold those responsible for any election-related

violence to account, in line with the law," the rebuttal reminds.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com