India hopes political turmoil in Bangladesh will be resolved

India Friday said the hanging of Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdul Quader Molla was an outcome of the internal judicial processes and laws of Bangladesh and hoped the political stand-off in that country would be resolved through dialogue and peaceful means.

India's external affairs spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said: "The execution of the death sentence on Abdul Quader Molla, assistant secretary general of the Jamaat-e-Islami is an outcome of the internal judicial processes and laws of Bangladesh."

Bangladesh on Thursday hanged Molla, making him the first person to be put to death for massacres committed during the bloody 1971 war of independence.

The execution of Molla, 65, has sparked further tensions and violence in Bangladesh where elections are due Jan 5.

The spokesperson also said that India's ties with Bangladesh are based on the principles of "mutual respect, mutual benefit, non-interference and respect for each other's sovereignty".

"India has and always will respect the wishes of the people of Bangladesh. It is for the people of Bangladesh to decide their future. We have deep respect for their wisdom and achievements," he said.

"We are confident that as a democracy the people of Bangladesh will resolve their differences through dialogue and peaceful means, in an atmosphere free from violence.

Jamaat supporters went on the rampage Friday to vent their fury at the execution of Molla.

Two protesters were killed and two activists from the ruling Awami League were hacked to death Friday. Jamaat activists firebombed train stations, set fire to businesses and blockaded key highways, police officials said.

The ruling Awami League and opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party are locked in a stand off over the Jan 5 general elections. The BNP-led 18-party opposition alliance has launched a series of protests, demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and postponement of the polls.

India has said it will not "broker any deal or mediate" among the rival parties.