China has congratulated the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on its apparent victory in the parliamentary election, describing the polls as “free and successful” as unofficial results indicate an absolute majority for the party.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka congratulated both the people of Bangladesh and the BNP following the announcement of preliminary results.

“Congratulations to the people of Bangladesh on the smooth and successful national election and to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party for taking the lead,” the embassy said.

The statement added that Beijing looks forward to working closely with the new government. “We look forward to working with the new government of Bangladesh and writing new chapters in China-Bangladesh relations,” it said.

Separately, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry also extended congratulations to the BNP and expressed China’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with the incoming administration.

“A steady and smooth election has been held in Bangladesh, and China congratulates the BNP on its victory,” the spokesperson said at a regular briefing.

Describing China as a “traditional friend and neighbour” of Bangladesh, the spokesperson said Beijing supports Bangladesh in pursuing its internal political agenda. He added that China stands ready to deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and expand practical collaboration across various sectors under the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries.

According to unofficial results from Thursday’s general election, the BNP secured 209 out of 299 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad, ensuring a clear majority.

The Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 68 seats.

Among the BNP-led alliance partners, the Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), Ganosamhati Andolan, and Gono Odhikar Parishad secured one seat each, according to preliminary figures.
 

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