Dhaka, Feb. 13 -- China has congratulated the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), describing the parliamentary election as "free and successful" as results point to an absolute majority for the party.

The Chinese Embassy in Dhaka issued a statement on Friday after vote counting indicated a decisive lead for the BNP.

"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.

"We look forward to working with the new government of Bangladesh and writing new chapters in China-Bangladesh relations," it added.

In a separate briefing, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry also extended congratulations to the BNP and expresse...