India urges Yunus govt to promptly hold 'inclusive, free and fair' elections

India has urged Bangladesh's interim administration to hold “inclusive, free and fair elections at an early date,” as political uncertainty deepens and mass protests continue to challenge the authority of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.

The call came from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs amid growing demands from political parties and the army for elections to be held by December, contrary to the interim government's proposed timeline that stretches to mid-2026, reports bdnews24.com.

“On Bangladesh, we have articulated our position very clearly as far as elections [are] concerned and we have done so consistently,” ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a weekly media briefing on Thursday, according to the Hindustan Times.

“Bangladesh needs to ascertain the will and mandate of the people by holding an inclusive, fair and free election at an early date,” he added.

Jaiswal also reiterated India's desire for a “positive and constructive relationship” with Bangladesh, one that reflects the aspirations and interests of both nations.

His remarks come against the backdrop of intensifying unrest in Bangladesh, where government employees have taken to the streets in protest against a new ordinance that empowers the public administration ministry to dismiss civil servants for misconduct without prolonged procedures.

Thousands of primary school teachers have also gone on indefinite leave to press for wage hikes, while tax officials forced the government to reverse its decision to dissolve the National Board of Revenue.

Commenting on criticisms reportedly made by Yunus, who described India’s influence as “hegemonic,” Jaiswal dismissed such claims as deflections.

“It is their personal responsibility to handle any governmental or governance-related issues,” the Indian official was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times.

“When statements of this sort are made, it seems like you want to deflect in another direction from your own challenges related to governance. Blaming others is not a solution.”

The Hindustan Times report notes that relations between Dhaka and New Delhi have cooled significantly since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina last August, when the former prime minister fled to India amid nationwide protests. Tensions have risen further after India accused the interim government of failing to protect minorities, especially Hindus—a claim Yunus has dismissed as “exaggerated.”