India never interfered in Bangladesh elections: Quader

Ruling Awami League's general secretary Obaidul Quader on Wednesday said foreign actors have no scope to intervene in Bangladesh's election process, including in the next parliamentary polls.

"India, as far as I know, never interfered in the electoral process of Bangladesh," he told newsmen, dwelling on the visit to India by a delegation of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Also road transport and bridges minister, Quader claimed that the AL team visited India, "not to seek power but to demand waters of Teesta, talk about the Rohingya issue and uphold national interests."

"But the BNP went there seeking India's help during the elections and lodged complaints with them (Indians)... The elections will be held in our country and the party that will secure the people's votes will come to power... Will India influence the people of our country?" the AL leader said.

India's former foreign secretary Sujatha Singh visited Dhaka ahead of the 2014 parliamentary polls and reportedly advocated the election which eventually turned into a one-sided one.

"It's not fair to raise complaints to foreigners about domestic politics. A responsible political party cannot do it," said Obaidul Quader.

A BNP delegation, during their recent visit to India, reportedly sought prime minister Narendra Modi government's support to holding a free and fair election in Bangladesh.

The 11th parliamentary election is expected to be held in December and it is not yet sure if the BNP, which demanded formation of poll-time caretaker government, will join the race.