BEIJING: China on Tuesday congratulated Bangladesh’s ruling party for its recent electoral victory, as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina secured her fifth term in office.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, in a regular briefing, expressed China’s acknowledgment of Bangladesh’s successful national election and conveyed congratulations to the Awami League for their win.
Mao affirmed that China “firmly supports Bangladesh in advancing all post-election political agenda items in accordance with the law.
“Additionally, Beijing expressed its willingness to collaborate with the Bangladeshi government in furthering their traditional friendship based on principles of mutual respect, equality, common benefit, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, she added.
It is pertinent to mention here that Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina swept to a fourth straight term in power in Sunday’s general elections that was boycotted by the main opposition, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Critics level accusations of authoritarianism, human rights abuses, curbing free speech, and stifling dissent against Sheikh Hasina.
The country’s economy has experienced a significant slowdown, particularly since the Russia-Ukraine conflict escalated, leading to higher prices for fuel and food imports. This compelled Bangladesh to seek a $4.7 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund last year. As of November, the inflation rate stood at 9.5%.
