China pays ‘close attention’ to Bangladesh’s political situation

The new Chinese ambassador in Dhaka, Zhang Zuo, has said Beijing pays “close attention” to Bangladesh’s political situation.

“We hope to see a smooth general election,” he said, replying to a question at his inaugural media briefing at the embassy on Wednesday, weeks after he presented his credentials to President Md Abdul Hamid on Mar 7.

China “respects” the choice made by Bangladeshi people and hopes that the “strategic partnership” between the two countries will go on “continuously”, he said.

The next general election is expected to be held by December. Major political parties -- ruling Awami League and opposition BNP -- are at loggerheads over the election-time administration.

BNP boycotted the last elections in 2014 citing no-confidence in the Sheikh Hasina-led government that oversaw the elections.

More than half of the seats returned winners uncontested, drawing criticism from a section of the international community.

China has, however, “warmly congratulated” Hasina on her re-election.

The ambassador said Bangladesh is an “important partner” of China and the just concluded ‘two sessions’ demonstrated that China is entering a new era.

“In the new era, China will continue to promote the building of the community of shared destiny for mankind, and the China-Bangladesh strategic cooperative partnership will be brought to a new level,” he said.

The ‘two sessions’ is the first plenary session of the 13th NPC of China and the first plenary session of the 13th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. It was held in Beijing from March 3 to March 15.