Dhaka, May 29 -- The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said Bangladesh needs to 'ascertain the will and mandate' of the people by holding an 'inclusive, fair and free' elections at an early date.

"We have articulated our position very clearly, as far as elections in Bangladesh are concerned, and we have done so consistently," said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal while responding to a question at a regular briefing in New Delhi.

A journalist drew his attention regarding statements linking the problems in Bangladesh to India's hegemony.

In reply Jaiswal said as far as the government there (in Bangladesh) is concerned, it is their personal responsibility to handle any governmental or governance-related issues or probl...