, Jan. 2 -- Bangladesh on Thursday warmly welcomed a recent statement by the Chinese government expressing its wish for a smooth general election in Bangladesh, reaffirming that the election is an internal affair of the country.

In a press statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh said it deeply values the cordial and friendly relations between the two countries, which have been further strengthened under the interim government.

Bangladesh also strongly reaffirmed its firm commitment to the "One China Principle," the ministry said, underscoring Dhaka's long-standing and principled position on the issue.

Earlier, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said the general election, scheduled for February 12 nex...