India Rejects Bangladesh’s Allegations on Awami League Activities in Kolkata and Delhi

India has categorically dismissed allegations from Dhaka that Awami League-linked offices in Kolkata and New Delhi are being used to conduct “anti-Bangladesh activities.” The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described these claims as “misplaced” and reiterated that Indian territory is not used for political operations against neighboring countries.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that India was unaware of any such offices operating within its borders and reminded that Indian law strictly prohibits political campaigns targeting foreign nations. He added that India remains committed to supporting democratic stability in Bangladesh, urging that elections be held in a free, fair, and inclusive manner.

India on Wednesday dismissed allegations by Bangladesh that the Awami League offices in Kolkata and New Delhi were indulged in ‘anti-Bangladesh activities’, insisting that no such activity is permitted from Indian soil.(AP) | LiveMint

Dhaka’s Strong Accusations

Earlier this week, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strongly worded statement demanding that India shut down Awami League “offices” allegedly operating in Kolkata and Delhi. According to Dhaka, these centers were being used to undermine Bangladesh’s internal politics and destabilize the interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

The Bangladeshi government warned that allowing such activity would be seen as an “affront” to its sovereignty and could erode the foundations of bilateral relations between the two neighbors.

Awami League’s Response

The Awami League itself has denied the allegations, insisting that it does not maintain any political office in Kolkata. Party representatives described the accusations as “malicious propaganda” by the interim government in Dhaka, aimed at discrediting Sheikh Hasina’s supporters in exile.

The party, which was banned in May 2025 under revised anti-terror laws, has repeatedly claimed that the ban is politically motivated. Its leaders argue that the interim government is attempting to erase the Awami League from Bangladesh’s political landscape while empowering Islamist groups.

Sheikh Hasina in Exile

Central to the dispute is the fate of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. After massive student-led protests escalated in 2024 and Islamist groups gained momentum, Hasina was forced to step down and later went into exile in India. Since then, she has faced multiple charges in absentia, including corruption and crimes against humanity tied to the violent suppression of demonstrations.

Her trial, currently underway in Bangladesh, has been condemned by Awami League supporters as politically biased. India, while offering Hasina refuge, has so far resisted calls for her extradition.

Shifting Politics in Bangladesh

The crisis has brought major shifts to Bangladesh’s political landscape. The Yunus-led interim government has announced that elections will be held between December 2025 and June 2026. In the meantime, Islamist parties, particularly Jamaat-e-Islami, have surged in influence, staging mass rallies that highlight their growing popularity.

This changing balance of power has raised concerns in India and among international observers. New Delhi, which has long considered Sheikh Hasina an ally, now faces the delicate challenge of navigating relations with Dhaka’s transitional administration while safeguarding its security and regional interests.

Refugees and Cross-Border Ripples

The turmoil in Bangladesh has not remained confined within its borders. Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal have seen an influx of political exiles and former Awami League members seeking refuge. Reports suggest that many of these individuals, stripped of protection at home, are attempting to rebuild their lives across the border.

For India, this presents a humanitarian as well as a diplomatic challenge, as Dhaka remains sensitive to any suggestion that political fugitives may regroup on Indian soil.

Conclusion

The current dispute underscores the fragile state of India–Bangladesh relations at a time of political upheaval in Dhaka. While India has firmly denied hosting Awami League activities, Bangladesh’s allegations reflect the deep mistrust surrounding Sheikh Hasina’s exile and her party’s uncertain future.

As elections approach in Bangladesh, the stakes will only rise. For India, maintaining neutrality while supporting democratic processes will be key to preventing a further strain in bilateral ties. For Bangladesh, reconciling political divisions without externalizing its challenges will be crucial to ensuring long-term stability.

(Sources: LiveMint, News18, Times of India)