India Slams Bangladesh for Blaming Others

New Delhi: India on Thursday snubbed Bangladesh's interim government head Muhammad Yunus, and in a clear message to Dhaka, reiterated that those in power in a country must take responsibility for the problems facing their country and not blame others to deflect attention.

The remarks come amid reports of Mr Yunus blaming India for the ills plaguing his nation. New Delhi also batted for early inclusive, free and fair polls in the neighbouring nation.

“Issues will not be solved by blaming others and deflecting attention,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in response to media queries at his weekly briefing. On the need for polls there, Mr Jaiswal said that Bangladesh needs to ascertain the will and mandate of the people by holding inclusive, free and fair elections at an early date.

It may be noted that relations between India and Bangladesh have deteriorated rapidly in the past nine months since the removal of then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from office in Dhaka in August last year.

The anti-India policies of the interim government have further infuriated New Delhi.

Earlier this week, Mr Yunus reportedly accused India of hegemony in a meeting with leaders of political parties in Dhaka. His press secretary quoted him as saying that there are "relentless efforts to destabilise Bangladesh both internally and externally, thereby leading to a war-like situation".

A beleaguered Mr Yunus, who is using the anti-India card to shore up his failing political support as his country spirals out of control, has also locked horns with Bangladesh's Army chief Gen. Waker Uz-Zaman, who wants polls by December this year.

But Mr. Yunus wants to hold polls only by June next year and is seen as trying to cling on to power. Political parties in Bangladesh like the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have also warned Mr. Yunus and have asked him to hold polls by December this year.

Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina who was deposed from power in August last year and fled to India, had also recently lashed out at Mr. Yunus who has banned her Awami League party. Mr. Yunus is currently the Chief Advisor of the Interim Government, which is equivalent to prime minister.