Hasina's Delhi remarks reflect India's 'disrespect' for Bangladesh's sovereignty: NCP

The National Citizen Party today (6 August) said allowing ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to make remarks from New Delhi showed India's "disrespect and arrogance" towards Bangladesh's sovereignty and the people's demand for justice.

Speaking at a press conference at the party's office in the capital, NCP leaders criticised India for allowing Sheikh Hasina -- who has been sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal in a case involving crimes against humanity -- to make a public statement from New Delhi on the second anniversary of the 2024 July Uprising.

The party also demanded Hasina's extradition to Bangladesh under the existing extradition treaty.

According to NCP, the move once again showed that India was more interested in maintaining ties with the Awami League than with the people of Bangladesh.

The party said giving Hasina, whom it said the people of Bangladesh hold responsible for genocide, an opportunity to spread "false and misleading information" on such an important day amounted to a disregard for Bangladesh's democratic aspirations and national dignity.

NCP urged the Indian government to take steps to ensure Hasina's return, saying it was necessary to maintain trust and healthy relations between the two countries.

The party warned that providing shelter to, or showing favour towards, any banned group rejected by the people of Bangladesh could create lasting negative sentiment towards India among Bangladeshis.

Criticising the Bangladesh government, NCP said it had yet to take visible and effective steps to bring Hasina back to the country so that the court verdict against her could be implemented. The party also demanded accountability from the government over the issue.

NCP said it remained committed to democracy, accountability and the complete end of "fascist politics."

The party also opposed using Hasina as a bargaining tool in bilateral political negotiations, saying it would not accept any arrangement that could undermine Bangladesh's sovereignty, judicial process or democratic future.

NCP called for constitutional and institutional reforms to ensure the permanent end of a "fascist system of governance."

It also said those involved in undermining Bangladesh's sovereignty or in serious crimes should not be allowed to return to politics without due trial.

NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain attended the press conference as the chief guest. Joint Member Secretary and International Cell Deputy Secretary Alauddin Mohammad, among others, were present.