Bangladesh Urges India to Close Awami League Offices, Curb Anti-Bangladesh Activities; India Rejects Claims

Dhaka, August 20, 2025 – The interim government of Bangladesh has called on India to immediately shut down alleged political offices of the banned Bangladesh Awami League (AL) in Delhi and Kolkata and to prevent Bangladeshi nationals on Indian soil from engaging in activities against Bangladesh’s interests, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday. The statement, conveyed through a formal letter to Indian authorities, expressed concerns over reported anti-Bangladesh activities by AL leaders, including senior members wanted in Bangladesh for serious criminal charges, operating from India.

The ministry highlighted reports of AL offices being established in the Indian cities of Delhi and Kolkata, noting an incident on July 21, 2025, where senior AL leaders, under the guise of an NGO, allegedly held a public outreach event at the Delhi Press Club, distributing booklets to attendees. The statement described such activities, particularly by absconding leaders of the banned party, as “an unambiguous affront against the people and State of Bangladesh.” It warned that these developments risk undermining the good-neighborly relations between Bangladesh and India, which are rooted in mutual trust and respect, and could provoke public sentiment, impacting ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and political reforms in Bangladesh.

The interim government urged India to take immediate steps to ensure no anti-Bangladesh activities are conducted by Bangladeshi nationals on its soil and to close any AL offices promptly. The Awami League, led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was banned under Bangladesh’s Anti-Terrorism Act in May 2025, following its ouster in August 2024 amid a student-led uprising. The party faces trials for alleged crimes against humanity during the 2024 protests, which resulted in over 1,400 deaths. In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs rejected Bangladesh’s allegations as “misplaced.” Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “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 reiterated its call for “free, fair, and inclusive elections” in Bangladesh at the earliest to reflect the will of the people.

The exchange comes amid strained ties between the two nations, following the fall of the Hasina government and concerns over political instability in Bangladesh, with elections scheduled for February 2026.