National Citizen Party (NCP) Spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain on Thursday demanded the immediate extradition of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, warning that her legal status must never be used as a “bargaining chip” in bilateral or geopolitical negotiations.
Addressing a press briefing at the NCP's Banglamotor office, he said the party viewed with "deep concern and profound disappointment" Hasina's public address at an event in New Delhi marking the 2nd anniversary of the July uprising on Wednesday, calling it an affront to a date of profound significance for Bangladesh's struggle for democratic renewal and accountability.
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"Sheikh Hasina has been convicted by the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh for crimes against humanity. Her continued ability to participate in political activities from India, despite the judicial process against her, raises serious concerns regarding respect for Bangladesh's legal institutions," Asif Mahmud said.
"We condemn India's such action humiliating the sovereignty of Bangladesh," he said, urging New Delhi to give due consideration to Bangladesh's judicial decisions and facilitate Hasina's prompt return under the existing extradition framework between the two countries.
The NCP spokesperson said mutual respect for each other's legal systems, sovereign institutions and democratic processes remains essential to sustaining a "constructive and forward-looking" bilateral relationship between Dhaka and New Delhi.
He also urged the government to pursue all available legal, diplomatic and institutional avenues "with greater urgency, transparency and effectiveness" to secure Hasina's return, saying the people of Bangladesh deserve a credible, coordinated and institutionally robust approach demonstrating the state's commitment to justice.
"This issue should not be reduced to political rhetoric or managed solely through diplomatic formalities. It requires sustained political commitment, effective intergovernmental engagement, and clear institutional accountability," Asif Mahmud told reporters.
Reaffirming the NCP's commitment to democracy, constitutional governance and the rejection of "authoritarian and fascist politics in all their forms," he said the party opposes any attempt to treat Hasina's legal status as an instrument of bilateral political negotiation or geopolitical bargaining.
"Any arrangement that compromises Bangladesh's sovereignty, judicial independence, or democratic future will be contrary to the interests and aspirations of the Bangladeshi people," the NCP spokesperson said.
He further said the lasting dismantling of authoritarian structures will require comprehensive constitutional, institutional and political reforms, adding that no individual or institution accused of grave crimes against the people of Bangladesh, or of undermining the country's sovereignty, should be permitted to return to political life without first facing a credible process of justice and accountability.