THE Indian authorities allegedly allowing activities of the Awami League, fallen in Bangladesh in the July uprising, on Indian soil poses a serious threat to the already strained bilateral relations. Reports published by Bangladeshi and Indian media outlets suggest that leaders and activists of the Awami League are carrying out anti-Bangladesh political activities from India and have even opened offices there. The Bangladesh government on May 10 banned on all activities of the Awami League until the trial of the party and its leaders by the International Crimes Tribunal. It is, therefore, justified that Dhaka has called on Delhi to take immediate steps to close the political offices of the Awami League. What Dhaka should also have iterated is the call for the repatriation of Sheikh Hasina and other Awami League leaders absconding in several criminal cases in Bangladesh for crimes committed against humanity. The deposed prime minister and Awami League president fled to India on August 5, 2024 amid the uprising, bringing to an end of a 15-year authoritarian regime.
India鈥檚 allowing the Awami League鈥檚 political activities on Indian soil runs contrary to international rules and norms. It contravenes, for example, the Principle of Sovereign Equality, which stipulates that all UN member states are equal in sovereignty and that no state may intervene in another state鈥檚 internal politics. It also violates the principle of non-intervention under customary international law, which holds that granting shelter or operational space to a foreign political organisation constitutes interference in the host state鈥檚 internal affairs. Moreover, it goes against the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Equally disturbing is the casual reply made by the official spokesperson of India鈥檚 external affairs ministry who claimed that his government was not aware of any anti-Bangladesh activities by purported members of the Awami League in India while adding that the Indian government expects free, fair and inclusive elections in Bangladesh at the earliest. This remark suggests that the Indian government wants the Awami League to be included in the forthcoming national elections, disregarding the fact that the party and its leaders are under trial for crimes against humanity and it is the decision of Bangladesh authorities whether to allow the Awami League in the elections.
Since the fall of the Awami League, a party that enjoyed India鈥檚 unwavering support despite its ills and crimes, India appears intent on obstructing a smooth democratic transition in Bangladesh and on destabilising the process. Dhaka should, therefore, be more assertive in demanding that India should respect the will of Bangladeshis and comply with international norms and rules. Delhi, meanwhile, should rethink its Bangladesh policy and make the necessary course corrections to improve bilateral relations.