India wants inclusive polls in Bangladesh

India favours an inclusive and participatory national election in Bangladesh, said Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesman Randhir Jaiswal yesterday.

During the MEA's weekly media briefing, Jaiswal also expressed concern over the law and order situation in Bangladesh.

When asked about his comments on the recently launched Jatiya Nagorik Party (National Citizen Party), Jaiswal reiterated that India has always supported a peaceful, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh, where issues are addressed through democratic means, including inclusive and participatory elections.

Asked to comment on Bangladesh Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain's remark that the plight of minorities is an internal issue and India should not intervene, Jaiswal responded, "We have repeatedly underlined that it is the responsibility of Bangladesh's interim government to protect Hindus, other minorities, their properties, and religious institutions."