Sunday’s elections constitutional requirement: India

Bangladesh people to decide their own future, it says

Terming the just-held 10^th parliamentary elections a constitutional requirement, Bangladesh’s close neighbour India has reiterated its position saying the people of Bangladesh will decide their own future.

“Elections in Bangladesh on 5th January were a constitutional requirement. They’re a part of the internal and constitutional process of Bangladesh,” said Syed Akbaruddin, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, India on Monday.

He made the remark in response to questions on elections in Bangladesh held on January 5 which was boycotted by the BNP-led 18-party alliance.

Akbaruddin also said it is for the people of Bangladesh to decide their own future and choose their representatives in a manner that responds to their aspirations.

Apparently expressing India’s displeasure on the election-centric violence, he said, “Violence cannot and should not determine the way forward.”

He also said the democratic processes must be allowed to take their own course in Bangladesh.

Awami League won absolute majority in Sunday’s national election that was marked by massive violence and low turnout amid boycott by the opposition alliance.

So far, 23 people were killed in last two days — 19 on Sunday and four on Monday — over the national election.