Elections entirely Bangladesh's internal matter: Shafiqul

Reacting to India's remarks on Bangladesh affairs, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam yesterday said elections are entirely Bangladesh's internal matter and urged all to respect the sovereign will of its people in matters relating to elections.

"We urge all to respect the sovereign will of our people in matters relating to elections," he told UNB while responding to a question.

Asked about his reaction to India's comments on banning Bangladesh Awami League, Shafiqul said they have witnessed how Awami League completely destroyed the country's democratic fabric, severely squeezed the political space and compromised sovereignty during its 15-year long "tyrannical and kleptocratic rule".

"The wounds caused by the crimes against humanity perpetrated by this party are still fresh," the press secretary said.

He said, "I have already said that the ban on activities of this party is necessary to protect national security and sovereignty, ensure the safety of July movement activists and safeguard plaintiffs and witnesses of the International Crimes Tribunal."

As for elections, Shafiqul said they recall how "Awami League repeatedly resorted to grossly farcical elections and caused irreparable damages to our electoral processes and institutions".

"We are engaged in a reform process to rebuild our democratic system," he said.

Earlier, India expressed concerns over the ban imposed by the interim government on the activities of Awami League.

"The ban on the Awami League without due process is a concerning development," said spokesperson of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal during a regular media briefing in New Delhi yesterday.

As a democracy, he said, India is naturally concerned at the "curtailment of democratic freedoms and shrinking political space."

"We strongly support the early holding of free, fair, and inclusive elections in Bangladesh," said the MEA spokesperson.

The government has banned all activities of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations under the Anti-Terrorism Act until the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) completes the trial of the party's leaders and activists.