<div><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><b>India on Thursday said election and the democratic process in Bangladesh have to be determined as per how people of the country choose to do so.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>"The whole world may comment on it but India is India and we have a very special relationship with Bangladesh," India's Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi told reporters while responding to a question at a weekly briefing in New Delhi.</div><div><br></div><div>This was the first time India officially commented on the current situation in Bangladesh, centering the national election scheduled to be held in December this year or January next year.</div><div><br></div><div>The ministry of external affairs spokesperson said what happens in Bangladesh impacts them.</div><div><br></div><div>"Look, I think there are multiple activities going on, people are perhaps commenting on it," Bagchi said.</div><div><br></div><div>Of course, he added, India is closely monitoring the situation, and mentioned that they have a high commission in Dhaka.</div><div><br></div><div>"We hope that there is peace and no violence, and the elections are held as per plans," said the spokesperson.</div><div><br></div><div>On the issue of caretaker government, he said, "I certainly don't have any comment on it."</div><div><br></div><div>Countries including the US have been commenting on elections in Bangladesh and expressed their desire for a free, fair and peaceful election in Bangladesh.</div><div><br></div><div>The government of Bangladesh says it is also committed to holding a free, fair and peaceful election. According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>