China has responded to the death sentence given to former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, stating that it is an internal matter for Bangladesh. The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Bangladesh sentenced Hasina to death for crimes against humanity related to the violent crackdown on student-led protests in July 2024. Alongside her, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal also received a death sentence, while another co-accused, Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, was sentenced to five years in prison after cooperating with the investigation.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that the situation is Bangladesh's internal affair and expressed hope for the country's stability and development. Hasina, who has been living in India since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024, was tried in absentia. The UN has described the verdict as significant for the victims of the protests but expressed regret over the imposition of the death penalty, reiterating its opposition to capital punishment in all circumstances.

The ICT, established under the International Crimes (Tribunal) Act of 1973, has faced criticism for its lack of genuine international characteristics. Critics argue that it operates solely under Bangladeshi law and is influenced by the ruling government, lacking the impartiality expected of international courts. The tribunal has been accused of selective justice, focusing primarily on political opponents while leaving pro-government figures unpunished.

The rivalry between Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia, the leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has significantly shaped the political landscape of Bangladesh. The BNP welcomed the verdict against Hasina, calling it a step towards justice and urging fair trials for other pending cases. This ongoing political feud, often referred to as the "Battle of Begums," has deep historical roots, dating back to the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rehman in 1975, which set the stage for decades of political conflict between the two leaders and their parties.