It also called for creating a climate in which the electorate will feel genuinely free to use their right to vote, notably by disarming the supporters of Islamist groups engaged in actions and propaganda characterised by religious intolerance.

The EU Parliament made the call in a resolution on Bangladesh adopted on Thursday, according to a message received in Dhaka last night.

"The EU calls on the Election Commission to improve the quality and accuracy of the voter register in cooperation with domestic and international experts," said the communique.

The EU Parliament deplored the recent acts of violence in Bangladesh and strongly condemned the physical attacks on journalists, NGO staff, trade unionists and others, and the violence related to the forthcoming general election and the transitional arrangements.

It called on the authorities to put an end to the climate of impunity and to bring to justice the perpetrators of violence and harassment directed towards journalists in Bangladesh.

It recognised the importance of the elections and called for a strong and decisive caretaker government, which would counteract instability and instill confidence in free and fair parliamentary elections conducted in accordance with international standards with the participation of all parties and within the planned timeframe.

The EU Parliament welcomed the fact that a caretaker government has been formed and entrusted with the task of preparing for the next parliamentary election in Bangladesh, but noted with concern that many of the necessary preconditions in terms of the neutrality of electoral preparations have yet to be met.

It urged the BNP and Awami League and all other political parties to reach an agreement on all controversial electoral issues to avoid political violence and instability and to develop political programmes, which will improve populations standard of living.

The parliament called on the authorities concerned to monitor carefully the human rights situation, the political situation and press freedom in Bangladesh and to draw up programmes in the framework of EU-Bangladesh cooperation to promote freedom of press and freedom of speech.

It called on the caretaker government to guarantee balance in media during the election campaign.

The EU parliament reaffirmed its commitment to Bangladesh's unique tradition of religious tolerance and secularism, as enshrined in the country's longstanding cultural tradition and artistic heritage, and as endorsed in parliament's previous resolutions.

It welcomed the recent conviction by a court of two Islamist militants for murdering a Christian convert, but condemned the imposition of a death penalty.

The EU Parliament welcomed the Commission's decision to send an election observation mission during the forthcoming general election, and urged the rapid establishment of a short-term political election observation mission by parliament.

It called on the Commission to use its good offices with other donors and with the Bangladesh government to promote the adoption of effective measures in line with the provisions of this resolution.

It also urged its president to forward this resolution to the Commission, the caretaker government of Bangladesh, the Election Commission and the secretary general of the United Nations.