In his reaction, British High Commissioner in Bangladesh Anwar Choudhury welcomed the dialogue and expressed the hope that both the parties would be able to find a way of resolving the differences over the coming elections.

“We are very pleased that the dialogue is taking place; the national parliament house is the right place for such talks-it is the symbol of democracy and unity," he noted in his instant reaction to the press.

The Bangladesh-born British diplomat said, "We are also very pleased to hear that the dialogue will continue for a few days until a consensus is reached. Our good wishes go to both the parties in their search for finding a way forward."

The United States also welcomed the dialogue between the ruling and the opposition parties and said the US would continue to support a negotiated resolution of any obstacles to broad participation in the forthcoming election in Bangladesh.

"Dialogue will reduce tension and strengthen prospects for a successful, peaceful and fair election," a spokesman for the US embassy here said.

He said, "As we have stated on many occasions, the US does not favor any party or candidate in the election but supports a peaceful, fair and free electoral process."

German Ambassador Frank Meyke, who chairs the presidency of European Union for Finland, said the EU hoped that the dialogue would lead to a successful conclusion for free and fair elections.

"We hope both the parties will successfully prepare the way for free and fair elections," Meyke told the news agency.