China Calls Sheikh Hasina's Death Sentence an Internal Matter

China has publicly stated that the recent death sentence imposed on Sheikh Hasina, the deposed Prime Minister of Bangladesh, is an "internal affair" of the country. This comment comes after the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh sentenced Hasina to death in absentia for her role in what was described as "crimes against humanity" during a crackdown on student-led protests last year.

The tribunal also issued a death sentence for former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who faced similar charges. The verdict against Hasina, who is now 78 years old, was delivered on Monday, and it has drawn international attention given the serious nature of the accusations.

During a media briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning commented, "It is Bangladesh's internal affair," emphasising that China would not provide further commentary on the situation. Mao reiterated China's commitment to fostering a relationship of good neighbourliness and friendship with the people of Bangladesh. She added, "We sincerely hope that Bangladesh will achieve solidarity, stability, and development."

Sheikh Hasina fled to India on August 5 of the previous year as protests escalated against her government. She has remained in India since her departure from Bangladesh. The protests, which were largely driven by student groups, were marked by significant violence, with reports suggesting that approximately 1,400 individuals lost their lives during the unrest between July 15 and August 15, 2024.

The international community has been closely monitoring the developments in Bangladesh. Following the verdict, the United Nations expressed that while the ruling could be seen as an important moment for the victims of the violence, the imposition of the death penalty was regrettable. UN Secretary General António Guterres and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk have both voiced opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances, reflecting a broader stance held by various human rights advocates.

In addition to Hasina and Kamal, another co-accused, former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, received a lesser sentence of five years in prison. His milder punishment was attributed to his cooperation with the investigation, having pleaded guilty in July and being the only one of the accused present during the verdict announcement.

The developments surrounding Sheikh Hasina have implications not only for Bangladesh's political landscape but also for its relations with neighbouring countries and international entities. As the situation unfolds, further reactions from various global actors are anticipated.