China on Tuesday described the death sentence issued to deposed Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina as an internal matter for Dhaka, and declined to make any further comment. Hasina, aged 78, was sentenced to death in absentia on Monday by Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity linked to her government's violent crackdown on the student-led protests last year. Former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal received a death sentence on similar charges.
This is Bangladesh's internal affair, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a media briefing in Beijing when asked about the ruling. Mao added that China remains committed to a policy of good neighbourliness and friendship towards the people of Bangladesh.
We sincerely hope that Bangladesh will achieve solidarity, stability and development, she said. Hasina has been living in India since fleeing Bangladesh on August 5 last year during the mass protests.
Bangladesh seeks Sheikh Hasina's extradition from India
Bangladesh on Monday called on India to immediately extradite deposed Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, only hours after a special tribunal sentenced both of them to death in absentia for crimes against humanity.
We urge the Indian government to immediately hand over these two convicted individuals to the Bangladeshi authorities, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement carried by the state-run BSS news agency.
The ministry stated that the existing bilateral extradition agreement between Bangladesh and India makes the transfer of the two convicts a compulsory responsibility for New Delhi. It added that offering shelter to individuals convicted of crimes against humanity would be viewed as an unfriendly act and as disregard for justice.
Why has Sheikh Hasina been given death penalty
The International Crimes Tribunal Bangladesh sentenced Hasina and Kamal to death in absentia on Monday for crimes against humanity committed during last year's student uprising.
Hasina has been living in India since leaving Bangladesh on August 5 last year during the mass protests. She has already been declared a fugitive by the court. Kamal is also believed to be in India.
In December last year, Bangladesh sent India a note verbale requesting Hasina's extradition. India confirmed receiving the formal diplomatic note but offered no further comment.
Also read: Yunus' first reaction after Bangladesh court sentences Sheikh Hasina to death
With inputs from PTI
