Summary:

• India calls for inclusive elections in Bangladesh.
• India's statement implies support for the AL's participation in the upcoming elections.
• Political analysts suggest India is also advocating against moves to bar the AL from contesting.
• The exclusion of the AL could further destabilize the region.
• Concerns about the fairness of the upcoming elections due to the interim government's hostility toward the AL.
• A nationwide crackdown on AL leaders and supporters raises fears of non-inclusive polls.
• Influential youth leaders connected to Yunus call for political reforms and ban the AL.
• Constitutional experts question the legitimacy of the interim government.

India is advocating for inclusive elections in Bangladesh that would allow the Awami League (AL) to participate. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, made this call on Friday, February 7, 2025, emphasizing India's support for a peaceful and progressive Bangladesh where all issues are resolved through democratic means. He also highlighted the responsibility of Bangladesh's interim government to protect minorities, including Hindus, along with their properties and religious institutions.

The call for inclusive elections comes amid ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh, which has faced unrest since street protests ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. The interim government, led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, has faced mounting criticism for its inability to restore law and order and address the country's economic challenges. While Yunus has indicated that elections could be held between December 2025 and June 2026, he has yet to provide a clear roadmap, fueling further uncertainty.

India's Stance on Awami League's Participation

India's statement carries significant implications, especially regarding the participation of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League in the upcoming elections. Political analysts, including Devadeep Purohit of The Telegraph, suggest that India is subtly advocating against any moves to bar the AL from contesting. The AL, currently led by Hasina, has strong ties to India, and her exclusion from the electoral process could further destabilize the region.

In his analysis titled “Sheikh Hasina Thrust in Bangladesh Poll Prod: India Calls for 'Inclusive' Elections," Purohit emphasizes the potential consequences of Hasina's political marginalization. He argues that India's call for inclusive elections is a strategic move to support Hasina and ensure a stable political environment in Bangladesh.

Challenges to the Electoral Process

The interim government's apparent hostility toward the AL raises concerns about the fairness of the upcoming elections. A nationwide crackdown on AL leaders and supporters has intensified fears that the polls may not be free or inclusive. Some influential youth leaders connected to Yunus have even called for political reforms before elections and advocated for banning the AL. One such leader, Sarjis Alam, has made inflammatory statements about "trying and hanging" Hasina, further undermining confidence in the electoral process.

Constitutional experts, including barrister Tania Amir, have questioned the legitimacy of the interim government. Amir argues that the current administration lacks a constitutional mandate and should be replaced by a caretaker government led by the immediate past chief justice. She also called for a nationwide operation to apprehend convicted terrorists released from jail and to recover weapons looted from law enforcement agencies.

Deteriorating Law and Order

The MEA has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating law-and-order situation in Bangladesh, particularly the rise in crimes against women and minorities. Jaiswal noted that only 1,254 out of 2,374 reported incidents of violence from August 5, 2024, to February 16, 2025, had been verified by the police, with 98% deemed "political in nature." India has urged Bangladesh to thoroughly investigate all incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice without bias.

Yunus's assertion that crime rates have not increased under his administration has been contradicted by reports from *The Daily Star*, which cited a 50% rise in robberies over the past six months. A senior police officer, speaking anonymously, revealed that the actual increase in crime is likely much higher, as many incidents go unreported due to fear of retaliation.

Conclusion

India's call for inclusive elections in Bangladesh reflects its commitment to democratic stability in the region. The potential exclusion of the Awami League, the rise in violence, and the interim government's questionable legitimacy pose significant challenges to Bangladesh's political future. As the situation unfolds, India's role as a key regional player will remain crucial in ensuring that Bangladesh navigates its current crisis through democratic and inclusive means.

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India calls for 'inclusive polls' in Bangladesh