Dhaka, Feb. 14 -- Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Tarique Rahman said that national unity is the collective strength of the country and that both the government and opposition must work together for national development.

Addressing a press briefing after the 13th National Parliamentary Election, he said, "This victory belongs to Bangladesh. This victory belongs to the people. Many people sacrificed their lives for democracy. From today, we begin the true essence of freedom."

He congratulated the people of Bangladesh for their courage and sacrifice during what he described as more than one and a half decades of authoritarian rule. He said the journey was long and difficult, but the people remained patient and determine...