China 'welcomes' formation of Bangladesh interim govt

Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus sworn into office as Bangladesh's interim leader

China said Friday it "welcomes" the formation of a new interim government in Bangladesh, promising to work with the country "to promote exchange and cooperation".

"China has noted the establishment of an interim government of Bangladesh and welcomes this," a foreign ministry spokesperson said in a statement.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus was sworn into office Thursday as Bangladesh's interim leader, vowing to guide the country back to democracy after a student-led uprising ended the 15-year rule of Sheikh Hasina.

Hasina, accused of widespread human rights abuses including the jailing of her political opponents, was forced to flee to neighbouring India on Monday as masses of protesters flooded Dhaka's streets.

Beijing on Friday said it had "always upheld the principle of not interfering in other countries' internal affairs" and "respected the development path independently chosen by the Bangladeshi people".

"China attaches importance to the development of China-Bangladesh relations," the foreign ministry said.

Beijing is "willing to work with Bangladesh to promote exchanges and cooperation in various fields between the two countries", the spokesperson added.