NEW DELHI: Reacting to the developments in Bangladesh, the Foreign Office here expressed the hope that its leaders would be allowed to take part in the elections. “India is interested in a stable, democratic and prosperous Bangladesh,” the Ministry for External Affairs spokesperson said in response to a question.

“We continue to watch developments in Bangladesh closely. As a friendly neighbour, at this difficult time, it is our hope that the people of Bangladesh, their representatives, and their leaders will be afforded every lawful opportunity to take Bangladesh to the full restoration of democracy through peaceful, free and fair elections,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) has condemned the denial of bail to the former Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, by the Bangladesh Supreme Court. Though the alleged bribery was committed by a former Minister in 2001, the government is trying Ms. Hasina by retrospectively applying the Emergency Powers Rules of 2007.

A case of alleged bribery has been turned into extortion to ensure that the alleged crime can be brought under the purview of the Emergency Power Rules 2007, the ACHR said.