Dhaka, Feb. 14 -- BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday congratulated the people of Bangladesh after his party's landslide victory in the 13th national election, declaring that 'we all are free from today'.

"This victory belongs to Bangladesh, to democracy and to the pro-democracy people," Tarique said at his first press conference following the national election, held at a city hotel.

In his opening remarks, the BNP chief thanked voters for overcoming 'all obstacles' to pave the way for restoring democracy.

"With your spontaneous participation, after more than a decade and a half, a parliament and government accountable to the people through direct votes are set to be established," he said, urging unity to ensure that "no force can ...