National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Alauddin Mohammad has raised concerns over reports that India wants to involve the Bangladesh Army in efforts to bring ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina back to the country, warning against foreign interference in Bangladesh's political and judicial affairs.
Alauddin, the NCP's joint member secretary in charge of international affairs, made the remarks in a Facebook post responding to a recent BBC report on India's contacts with Bangladesh's military leadership and the possible role of the army in Hasina's return.
The BBC report suggested that India wanted the Bangladesh Army to assume responsibility for Hasina's safety and security if she returned to Bangladesh. It also described regular communication between the two militaries.
In his post, Alauddin questioned the implications of the reported contacts for Bangladesh's sovereignty, democratic institutions and constitutional authority.
"We do not wish to accuse any party solely on the basis of media reports. However, such reports raise serious concerns about Bangladesh's state institutions, democratic processes and sovereignty," he wrote.
He said the legitimate centre of political authority in Bangladesh rests with the parliament and government elected by the people, rather than the military or any foreign government.
Decisions concerning Hasina's trial, extradition or other legal proceedings must be made by Bangladesh's government and independent judiciary in accordance with the Constitution, existing laws and due process, he said.
"In particular, the prosecution of genocide and crimes against humanity committed against Bangladeshi citizens cannot be made dependent on the political considerations or diplomatic pressure of any foreign state," Alauddin wrote.
Referring to the Bangladesh Army's role during the 2024 mass uprising, Alauddin said reports involving the military warranted clarification through appropriate institutional channels.
He said communication between the armed forces of Bangladesh and other countries was not unusual, but the public should have a clear understanding of the purpose, nature and constitutional boundaries of such engagement.
"There should be no ambiguity in the public mind regarding the purpose, nature and constitutional boundaries of such communication," he wrote.
Alauddin also expressed hope that the Bangladesh Army would continue to function as a professional and constitutionally compliant institution, respecting public sentiment, national sovereignty and the country's democratic political process.
His remarks come amid renewed discussion over Hasina's possible return from India, where she has remained since fleeing Bangladesh following the August 2024 mass uprising.
The BBC report has brought attention to the military dimension of India-Bangladesh relations and the question of which institutions should be involved in any arrangements concerning the former prime minister's return.
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