India has expressed concern over the recent ban on the political activities of Bangladesh's Awami League by the interim government. According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, the proper democratic procedures were not followed in enacting the ban, raising serious concerns about political freedom in the country.

At the ministry’s weekly briefing on Tuesday (May 13), Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “As a democratic nation, we are naturally concerned when democratic freedoms are curtailed in another country.”

India’s weekly briefing had been on hold following the recent India-Pakistan tensions. On its resumption, while most of the questions were about Indo-Pak developments, a question was also raised about India’s stance on the Awami League ban.

In response, Jaiswal said that India believes there are set democratic processes for banning a political party and that the interim government in Bangladesh failed to follow them. “There is a procedure in democracy. That has not been followed in the case of the Awami League. Naturally, this is worrying,” he added.

Jaiswal reiterated India’s longstanding position, saying, “We want to see free, fair, and inclusive elections held in Bangladesh at the earliest.”

On Saturday (May 10), the interim government’s advisory council, chaired by Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus, decided to suspend all activities of the Bangladesh Awami League under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The move was linked to pending trials at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) and aimed at ensuring national security and the safety of July Movement leaders, ICT plaintiffs, and witnesses.

Following this, on Monday (May 12), an official notification banned all activities of the Awami League and its affiliated organizations until the tribunal's proceedings are concluded. The Election Commission also suspended the party’s registration, effectively barring it from participating in elections.

The controversial decision came under pressure from the National Citizen Party — formed by former student leaders of the July uprising — and several religious parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami. The opposition BNP welcomed the decision, calling it “correct” and expressing satisfaction.

The government also amended the International Crimes Tribunal Act to prosecute the Awami League for “crimes against humanity” related to their actions during the July uprising. The law was officially gazetted on Sunday.