"If the dialogue does not go well, the terrorists would take the opportunity," he added speaking at a press briefing at the residence of British high commissioner in Dhaka. The British cabinet minister was wrapping up his three-day visit.

Timms said the talks should be the top priority now and his government is ready to help in the process.

Praising the country for its initiatives to reduce poverty and attain the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, he said the UK government will increase its aids to different sectors in Bangladesh.

Replying to a query, the minister said there would be no room for the losing side to reject the election results if the BNP and Awami League (AL) arrive at a consensus over the electoral process at the planned dialogue.

Asked about apprehension that if the dialogue does not get underway, the military may take over, he replied, "I'm optimistic that the dialogue would take place... and it would be successful."

"We're ready to provide whatever help we can or they (political parties) would like from us," he said adding that there should be a series of discussions instead of a one-off.

At the press briefing, Timms was accompanied by among others British High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury, DFID Bangladesh Representative David Wood and British Council Director in Bangladesh Dr June Rollinson.

The visiting UK minister, who will devise the UK spending plan on returning home, indicated that the British aid to Bangladesh might be doubled to support its economic development and poverty reduction.

He said the UK government will provide assistance mainly in primary education, diversification of micro-finance, poverty alleviation, skills development in English language, and launch of a diaspora bond by the expatriate Bangladeshis in the UK.

He stressed the need for close collaboration between the countries in counter terrorism.

Asked about corruption and the role of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) here, the Labour Party member of parliament for East Ham said the efforts should be redoubled to make the ACC effective.

He said both the prime minister and the leader of the opposition have told him that they attach paramount importance to graft containment.

The UK would look ahead at the next elections in Bangladesh because a political stability is much needed for the growing economy and its 150 million people, noted Timms.

Asked if the US ambassador's inviting the secretaries general of AL and BNP for tea at her residence amounts to interference in the domestic politics, he said, "What I can say is that the dialogue in Bangladesh is desirable."

At this point, Anwar Choudhury supplemented the minister saying, "What is important is the dialogue takes place in a place where both the sides are comfortable… it's not important whether foreign diplomats or friends of this country are there or not."

"I don't think the people of Bangladesh could say the friends of Bangladesh are interfering… they would say that we're to help the dialogue to be held," Anwar said adding that the diplomats will respond only when they will be asked for help.