Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has delivered a firm diplomatic rebuttal to India, stating that Bangladesh does not require external "advice" on its electoral process. Speaking at the Foreign Ministry, Hossain labeled recent comments from New Delhi regarding Bangladesh's upcoming elections as "completely unacceptable."
He highlighted a perceived double standard, noting that India remained silent during "farcical" elections over the last 15 years under the ousted Awami League regime, yet is now offering guidance as the interim government works toward a truly free and fair vote.
The diplomatic rift has further intensified with the reciprocal summoning of High Commissioners in both capitals.
Central to the tension is the presence of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in India; Hossain accused her of using Indian mainstream media to issue "provocative" statements aimed at creating instability in Bangladesh.
While acknowledging the current strain in bilateral ties, the Adviser reaffirmed Dhaka's commitment to protecting foreign missions, noting that security at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka was successfully bolstered today to prevent any untoward incidents.
