Dhaka: 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.

According to United News of Bangladesh, addressing a press briefing at the NCP’s Banglamotor office, Bhuyain expressed “deep concern and profound disappointment” over Hasina’s public address at an event in New Delhi marking the 2nd anniversary of the July uprising. He labeled it an affront to a date of significant importance for Bangladesh’s democratic renewal and accountability.

Bhuyain emphasized that Hasina, convicted by the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh for crimes against humanity, should not continue participating in political activities from India. This situation, he argued, undermines respect for Bangladesh’s legal institutions.

He condemned India’s actions as humiliating to Bangladesh’s sovereignty and called on New Delhi to respect Bangladesh’s judicial decisions. He urged India to facilitate Hasina’s return under the existing extradition framework between the two countries.

The NCP spokesperson stressed the importance of mutual respect for legal systems, sovereign institutions, and democratic processes in maintaining a constructive bilateral relationship between Dhaka and New Delhi.

Bhuyain also urged the government to utilize all legal, diplomatic, and institutional avenues to secure Hasina’s return. He emphasized the need for a credible and coordinated approach to demonstrate the state’s commitment to justice for the people of Bangladesh.

He warned against reducing the issue to political rhetoric or managing it solely through diplomatic formalities. Instead, he called for sustained political commitment, effective intergovernmental engagement, and institutional accountability.

Reaffirming NCP’s commitment to democracy and constitutional governance, Bhuyain rejected any attempts to use Hasina’s legal status as a tool for political negotiation or geopolitical bargaining.

He concluded by asserting that any arrangement compromising Bangladesh’s sovereignty, judicial independence, or democratic future would be detrimental to the interests and aspirations of the Bangladeshi people. Bhuyain advocated for comprehensive constitutional, institutional, and political reforms to dismantle authoritarian structures and insisted that individuals accused of grave crimes must face a credible process of justice before returning to political life.