New Delhi: After Bangladesh’s interim government alleged that exiled Awami League leaders had established offices in Kolkata and Delhi and called for their closure, India dismissed the claim as “misplaced” and said political activities targeting other countries are not permitted on its soil.

In a press statement issued by the foreign ministry on Wednesday (August 20), Dhaka said its attention had been drawn to reports that the banned Awami League had set up offices in the Indian capital and in Kolkata.

The interim government claimed that the development came amid “growing anti-Bangladesh activities undertaken by the leadership of the Bangladesh Awami League from being based on the Indian soil”.

Sheikh Hasina, who stepped down as prime minister of Bangladesh following mass protests last year, has been residing in Delhi since leaving Dhaka in a military plane. Several senior Awami League leaders are also reported to be in India.

BBC Bangla had reported earlier this month that exiled Awami League leaders had set up a discreet ‘party office’ on the eighth floor of a commercial complex in Kolkata.

Dhaka's statement alleged that senior Awami League leaders, facing multiple criminal cases in Bangladesh for what it described as “grievous crimes committed against humanity”, were present in India and continuing political activity from there.

It pointed to a July 21 event in Delhi, where some Awami League members allegedly organised a public outreach programme under the banner of an NGO at the Press Club of India and distributed booklets to journalists.

“Any form of political activity campaigning against the interests of Bangladesh by Bangladeshi nationals, particularly by the absconding leaders/activists of a banned political party, staying on Indian soil, legally or illegally, including the establishment of offices is an unambiguous affront against the people and State of Bangladesh,” the interim government said.

It warned that such activities risk straining “good-neighbourly relations with India driven by mutual trust and mutual respect” and could inflame public sentiment in Bangladesh, potentially affecting bilateral ties.

Dhaka urged New Delhi to “take immediate steps” to ensure that no anti-Bangladesh activity is carried out by exiled party leaders and called for the closure of any Awami League-linked political offices in India.

The interim government has banned the Awami League and initiated legal proceedings against a number of its leaders, including Hasina.

Responding to Dhaka’s allegations, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) rejected the claims, maintaining that India was not aware of any such activities.

“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,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, adding: “the Press Statement by the Interim Government of Bangladesh is thus misplaced”.

He also noted that India “reiterates its expectation that free, fair and inclusive elections will be held at the earliest in Bangladesh to ascertain the will and mandate of the people”.

The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.