China's Xi congratulates Bangladesh leader after disputed re-election
by AFP Staff Writers
Beijing (AFP) Jan 11, 2024

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday congratulated Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her re-election, state media reported, after a vote securing her a fifth term that was marked by an opposition boycott and mass arrests.

In his message to Hasina, Xi said he hoped the two countries "will work together to... deepen political mutual trust (and) carry forward traditional friendship", Xinhua reported.

Beijing hoped to boost "high-quality" cooperation as part of its Belt and Road global infrastructure initiative and raise ties to "a new level", Xinhua reported Xi as saying.

Hasina has presided over breakneck economic growth in Bangladesh -- once beset by grinding poverty -- but her government has been accused of rampant human rights abuses and a ruthless crackdown on dissent.

Sunday's vote saw her party take three-quarters of seats in parliament after polls were boycotted by the opposition, with the turnout a meagre 41.8 percent.

Britain and the United States slammed the vote, but India endorsed it.

On Tuesday, China's foreign ministry said it was willing to work with Bangladesh "to further carry forward our traditional friendship on the basis of mutual respect, equality, common benefit, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs".

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