Dhaka says Delhi’s remarks on Dhanmondi 32 are unwarranted

The interim government of Bangladesh has expressed strong disapproval of India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for commenting on the recent incident at Dhanmondi 32, calling the statement “unexpected and unwarranted.” The government emphasized that the matter is an internal affair of Bangladesh and should not be subject to external commentary.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam addressed the issue during a media briefing on Friday, stating, “A statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs on this matter, issued on February 6, 2025, has come to the attention of the interim government. Such remarks from India’s foreign ministry on Bangladesh’s internal affairs are unexpected and unwarranted.”

Alam, who also serves as the Director General of the Public Diplomacy Wing, reiterated Bangladesh’s policy of non-interference in the internal matters of other nations. “We have observed various adverse situations in the neighboring country. However, Bangladesh does not officially comment on the internal affairs of any state, and it expects the same level of conduct from others,” he said.

The spokesperson also addressed the political statements made by ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been residing in India since her resignation. “Sheikh Hasina, while staying in India, has been making political statements from time to time, which are not being received well by the people of Bangladesh,” Alam noted.

He further clarified that the interim government has already explained its position regarding the situation at Dhanmondi 32 on February 5, which escalated following one of Hasina’s statements. The incident, which involved vandalism and protests, has been a focal point of political tension in the country.

The interim government’s response underscores its commitment to maintaining sovereignty and handling internal matters without external interference. The statement also reflects the delicate nature of Bangladesh-India relations, particularly in light of recent political developments and cross-border commentary.

As the situation continues to evolve, the interim government has urged all parties to respect Bangladesh’s autonomy and refrain from making statements that could exacerbate tensions. The coming days will likely see further diplomatic engagements as both nations navigate this sensitive issue.