India Urges Credible, Inclusive Elections in Bangladesh for April 2026

New Delhi – India on Thursday reiterated its call for credible, democratic, peaceful, and all-inclusive elections in Bangladesh, scheduled for April 2026, following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a student-led uprising in August 2024. During a weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized India’s stance, stating, “As a democracy, we would welcome the holding of elections that are inclusive and include everybody in its fold.”

The statement comes in the wake of a recent agreement between Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, and a major political party to hold early elections, a move India has welcomed as a step toward strengthening democracy in Bangladesh. In July, Yunus directed law enforcement agencies to complete preparations by December for the upcoming parliamentary elections, with around 800,000 personnel to be deployed and trained. Additionally, approximately 16,000 vulnerable polling stations across the country will be equipped with CCTV monitoring to ensure peaceful voting, according to United News of Bangladesh (UNB). Jaiswal addressed recent violence in Gopalganj, where clashes between law enforcement and Awami League supporters on Wednesday left at least four dead and dozens injured, sparked by tensions over a rally by the National Citizen Party (NCP). “We follow developments in Bangladesh closely and take cognizance of such incidents. We will take action if required,” he said, underscoring India’s commitment to a “positive and constructive partnership” with Bangladesh. Highlighting ongoing bilateral engagements, Jaiswal noted recent high-level meetings, including visits by India’s Foreign Secretary and interactions between the external affairs ministers of both nations. He emphasized cooperation in areas such as India’s High Impact Development Projects (HIDPs), which aim to enhance bilateral ties and promote economic development in Bangladesh. On the upcoming first anniversary of Bangladesh’s interim government, Jaiswal reaffirmed India’s desire for a constructive partnership. He also addressed concerns over the reported demolition of the ancestral home of iconic Bengali filmmaker Satyajit Ray in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. India expressed “profound regret” over the demolition, noting the property’s cultural significance as belonging to Ray’s grandfather, Upendra Kishor Ray Chowdhury. The MEA offered cooperation for its repair and reconstruction, urging reconsideration of the demolition plan. However, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Thursday, asserting that a detailed inquiry confirmed the building in Mymensingh has no historical or familial link to Satyajit Ray or his ancestors. Jaiswal acknowledged the statement, saying, “We have seen the press release issued by the Bangladesh foreign ministry.” On visa matters, Jaiswal confirmed that India continues to issue substantial numbers of visas to Bangladeshi citizens for various purposes, including medical emergencies and education, though exact figures were not provided. India’s statements reflect its close monitoring of developments in Bangladesh and its commitment to fostering strong bilateral relations while supporting democratic processes in the neighboring country.