BM Report:
Former Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka, Pankaj Saran issued warning against foreign interference in Bangladesh’s upcoming elections. At an informal event at a city hotel, Saran declared that the Bangladeshi people and their independent institutions, not external actors, should determine their leader and electoral process.
“No country should talk about the elections in other country, be it Bangladesh, India, or Afghanistan, he said. He claimed that this stance aligns with India’s non-interventionist approach to neighbouring democracies. “India wants democracy, but we do not export democracy.”
Saran emphasised on inherent value of respecting national democratic practices in every country. Rather than imposing or influencing, he advocated for recognising and accepting the diverse ways countries choose their leaders.
Responding to a question from Bhorer Kagoj editor Shyamal Dutt, Saran reiterated the vital roles of both the Bangladeshi people and their established institutions. He highlighted the critical roles played by both the Bangladeshi people and their established institutions. “The people of the respective country will decide who will be elected; the institutions of that country will decide how the election will be held.”
He urged external actors, including India, to prioritise ensuring a peaceful and legitimate electoral environment that faithfully reflects the will of the Bangladeshi people. “We have to try our best from our position,” he acknowledged, “Only this thing has to be ensured that the process is as per the will of the people, peacefully and at the same time so that it does not create an unstable situation.”
Saran’s advised Bangladeshi people on the importance of their active participation in the electoral process. “Elections are very important for every country; the most important thing for the people of Bangladesh is to understand that they have to come to the elections.”
His concluding message urged Bangladeshis to embrace their democratic rights and responsibilities. “Do the best from your position, believe in yourself, accept the results that come through the elections.”
