India favours an inclusive and participatory national election in Bangladesh, said Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesman Randhir Jaiswal on Friday .

During the MEA's weekly media briefing, Jaiswal expressed concern over the law and order situation in Bangladesh, attributing its deterioration to the release of violent extremists after the fall of the Awami League-led government.

When asked about his comments on the recently launched Jatiya Nagorik Party (National Citizen Party), Jaiswal reiterated that India has always supported a peaceful, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh, where issues are addressed through democratic means, including inclusive and participatory elections.

Regarding the security situation in Bangladesh, he said, "We remain concerned about the law and order situation, which has been exacerbated by the release of violent extremists sentenced for serious crimes."

Asked to comment on Bangladesh Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain's remark that the plight of minorities is an internal issue and India should not intervene, Jaiswal responded, "We have repeatedly underlined that it is the responsibility of Bangladesh's interim government to protect Hindus, other minorities, their properties, and religious institutions."
Citing reports, Jaiswal said Bangladesh police have verified 1,254 of the 2,374 incidents of attacks and violence against minorities since August 5 last year. However, the police have categorised these attacks as "political in nature."
Nevertheless, India expects Bangladesh authorities to refrain from making such distinctions and to bring the perpetrators of violence, killings, and arson to justice, he added.