New Delhi, Oct 06 (V7N) – India has reiterated its support for free, fair and participatory elections in Bangladesh, stressing that the sooner the elections are held, the better for the country’s democratic process.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri made the remarks during an exchange of views with members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Bangladesh (DCAB) at the South Block in New Delhi on Monday morning.

Misri said that it is up to the Bangladeshi authorities, civil society, and the general public to determine the nature of participatory elections. He expressed confidence that Bangladesh would conduct elections that are credible and acceptable to the international community.

“India expects that the people of Bangladesh will elect the government of their choice in line with their democratic rights,” he added.

The Indian foreign secretary also noted that although the current interim government in Bangladesh was not elected, India has been engaging with it from the beginning, and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had already congratulated Professor Muhammad Yunus on assuming his role as Chief Advisor.

Regarding Bangladesh’s request for the return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Misri said, “India is examining the matter. It is a legal and judicial issue, and I would not like to comment further at this stage.”

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