India Rules Out Interference In Bangladesh Internal Affairs

New Delhi, Jan 1, IRNA - India on Tuesday ruled out any ˈinterferenceˈ in Bangladesh, which is witnessing clashes between security forces and opposition parties in the run-up to January 5 polls, and hoped people of that country would overcome differences through peaceful means. ˈWe do not have any intention to interfere in the internal affairs of Bangladesh. But as a friendly neighbour and a well wisher, we do hope that the people of Bangladesh and their leaders can reach solutions which enable them to realise their aspirations,ˈ the spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs said Tuesday. As neighboring countries sharing such a long border, neither India nor Bangladesh can remain unaffected or be indifferent to what happens in each otherˈs country, he said. The spokesperson also said ˈwe would wish them to overcome their differences, to be able to resolve their differences in a manner which is peaceful, which is done through dialog. And the outcome should be such that is acceptable to all people of Bangladesh.ˈ Violence has increased in Bangladesh, mainly over the coming general polls which is being boycotted by the main opposition party and its allies. The BNP-led 18-party alliance has been demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinaˈs resignation and scrapping of the polls. While Hasina proposed an all-party interim government, BNP leader Khaleda Zia wants restoration of the neutral caretaker government to oversee the polls./end