Reacting to India's remarks on Bangladesh’s affairs, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday said that elections are entirely an internal matter of Bangladesh and urged all parties to respect the sovereign will of its people regarding electoral issues.
"We urge everyone to respect the sovereign will of our people in matters relating to elections," he said in response to a question.
When asked about his reaction to India’s comments on banning the Bangladesh Awami League, Shafiqul said they had witnessed how the Awami League completely destroyed the country’s democratic fabric, severely restricted political space, and compromised national sovereignty during its 15-year-long tyrannical and kleptocratic rule.
"The wounds caused by the crimes against humanity perpetrated by this party are still fresh," the press secretary said.
He added: "As I have already mentioned, banning this party’s activities is essential to protect national security and sovereignty, ensure the safety of July uprising activists, and safeguard plaintiffs and witnesses of the International Crimes Tribunal."
Regarding elections, Shafiqul said they recall how the Awami League repeatedly conducted farcical elections and inflicted irreparable damage on Bangladesh’s electoral processes and institutions.
"We are currently engaged in a reform process aimed at rebuilding our democratic system," he said.
