MEA Rejects Bangladesh Claim Of Awami League Offices In India

The Indian government on Wednesday dismissed accusations by Bangladesh's caretaker administration that the banned Awami League had set up offices in India, stressing that New Delhi was unaware of any anti-Bangladesh activity on its soil.

The charge came from the interim government in Dhaka, headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, at a time when relations between the two countries are already under strain. Bangladesh's foreign ministry alleged that offices of the Awami League, the party of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, had been established in New Delhi and Kolkata, a development it warned could damage "good-neighbourly relations" built on mutual trust and respect.

The statement also claimed that several senior Awami League leaders facing criminal charges in Bangladesh were currently in India. It said that some of them had even planned a "public outreach" at the Press Club of India in New Delhi on July 21. Such political activity, the ministry argued, was an "affront against the people and State of Bangladesh" and could impact bilateral efforts to strengthen ties.

Our response to media queries on the Press Statement issued by the Interim Government of Bangladesh⬇️
🔗 https://t.co/XDLTjDUBuH pic.twitter.com/UvT2MgwN20

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) August 20, 2025

Responding to the allegations, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said 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". He added that India does not permit "political activities against other countries to be carried out from Indian soil". Describing Dhaka's accusations as "misplaced", Jaiswal reiterated India's position that free, fair and inclusive elections should be held in Bangladesh at the earliest to reflect the will of its people.

The matter adds to growing tensions since the Yunus-led interim government assumed office last year. India has repeatedly criticized Dhaka's handling of attacks on Hindus and other minorities, while bilateral trade has been affected by Indian restrictions on Bangladeshi exports at land border posts, which New Delhi linked to non-tariff barriers imposed by Dhaka.

Sheikh Hasina, who fled Dhaka in August 2024 and has been living in self-exile in New Delhi, remains at the centre of the dispute. Bangladesh has sought her extradition, though India has yet to respond. Alongside Hasina, several Awami League leaders are also understood to be in India after facing multiple cases filed by the caretaker government.

In July, Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Hasina to six months in prison for contempt of court. She also faces charges of crimes against humanity, enforced disappearances, and a violent crackdown on protestors in 2024. Human rights groups, however, have raised doubts about the fairness of the charges brought against her and other Awami League leaders.