Govt calls for free, transparent & timely polls in Bangladesh

India has reaffirmed its support for free, fair and inclusive elections in Bangladesh, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri saying New Delhi expects the polls to be held on time and in a participatory manner.

Speaking in Delhi on Monday, Misri said India’s position was clear -- it favours democratic elections that reflect the will of the people. He noted that India’s engagement with Bangladesh has been guided by a pragmatic approach shaped by regional and global developments, and that its ties with Dhaka have remained focused on cooperation with the government in office.

He added that for bilateral relations to grow further, both sides must work towards maintaining a positive atmosphere. The Foreign Secretary cautioned that any remarks which disturb this environment could harm the spirit of partnership that India and Bangladesh have built over the years.

Referring to the change in leadership in Dhaka, Misri mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first world leaders to congratulate Professor Muhammad Yunus after he took charge as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, and had invited him to participate in the Voice of the Global South Summit.