India Rejects Bangladesh’s Claims of “Anti-Bangladesh” Activities by Awami League Members on Indian Soil

India has firmly rejected allegations from Bangladesh that members of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League are engaging in “anti-Bangladesh” activities on Indian soil. The Indian Foreign Ministry dismissed these claims as “misplaced,” clarifying that India is unaware of any such activities and does not permit political actions targeting other countries from within its borders.

In its official statement, India emphasized that it upholds the principles of non-interference and good neighborliness, countering Bangladesh’s assertions that Awami League members had set up offices in New Delhi and Kolkata. The Foreign Ministry asserted, “The Government of India is not aware of any anti-Bangladesh activities by purported members of the Awami League in India or of any action that is contrary to Indian law. The Government does not allow political activities against other countries to be carried out from Indian soil.”

India’s statement also called for “free, fair and inclusive” elections to be held in Bangladesh as soon as possible to reflect the people’s true will and mandate.

Tensions between the two neighbors have risen since Sheikh Hasina was ousted following a student-led anti-government movement on August 5, 2024, and subsequently took up residence in India. Relations have further deteriorated since Muhammad Yunus became Chief Advisor of the interim government, especially after incidents of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s election commission has scheduled the next general elections for the first week of February 2026, but ensuring free and impartial elections remains a challenge amid current political uncertainties.