Bangladesh’s interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus has strongly protested what it calls India’s attempt to destabilize the country ahead of the February 12 general election and an upcoming referendum linked to the July Charter. According to diplomatic sources cited by the newspaper, Indian policymakers and intelligence agencies have launched a campaign to make the election controversial and prevent approval of the referendum. The report claims that Delhi’s efforts include bringing former prime minister Sheikh Hasina back into the political spotlight.

On January 23, an audio message from Hasina was played at a Delhi event titled “Safe Democracy in Bangladesh,” where she allegedly urged her supporters to boycott and resist the election. Dhaka’s foreign ministry said the speech incited violence and aimed to overthrow the government, calling India’s role a serious threat to Bangladesh’s democratic transition and bilateral relations. Analysts quoted in the report said India is anxious about the election outcome, given the absence of the Awami League and the uncertain position of other parties.

The controversy has heightened diplomatic tension, with Bangladesh warning that such actions could harm future bilateral cooperation and vowing to prevent any violence or conspiracy surrounding the polls.