India has reiterated its hope for a peaceful election in Bangladesh in accordance with the schedule being planned. It is also refusing to be drawn on any speculation regarding 'third party' or military manoeuvres in the build up to the country's next general election.

"I wouldn't like to get into speculations on third party or military interventions. Certainly, those are speculations," India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi told reporters while responding to a question at a weekly briefing in New Delhi on Friday. 

The question on Bangladesh was posed by Kallol Bhattacherjee of The Hindu, who flagged the opposition rally taking place in Dhaka today to ask for India's position on the caretaker government issue, and asked for the Indian government's view on speculation in the Indian media in recent days of possible 'third party interventions, including the military' in case the AL and BNP don't sort out their differences.

The mention of the military actually caused Bagchi to look up from his notebook with a quizzical glance at the questioner.

He later came back to respond and mostly dismissed the speculative talk, saying he had little to add to what he had said earlier in the week, but said they hope that the elections are held peacefully, and as per the schedule being planned. 

Bagchi also said he wouldn't comment on internal developments in Bangladesh. 

On the issue of the caretaker government, he referred to the Constitution of Bangladesh. "We haven’t really commented on it."

Earlier in the week, Bagchi said elections and the democratic process in Bangladesh have to be determined as per the will of the people of the country.

"The whole world may comment on it but India is India and we have a very special relationship with Bangladesh," said the MEA spokesperson.

He also said what happens in Bangladesh impacts India.

Of course, he added, India is closely monitoring the situation, and mentioned that they have a high commission in Dhaka.

"We hope that there is peace and no violence, and the elections are held as per plans," said the spokesperson.

Countries including the US have been commenting on elections in Bangladesh and expressed their desire for a free, fair and peaceful election in Bangladesh.

The government of Bangladesh says it is also committed to holding a free, fair and peaceful election.