"We're concerned about free, fair and transparent elections in Bangladesh and UN is ready to support the holding of free and fair elections," he told reporters after a meeting with Foreign Secretary Hemayetuddin at the foreign ministry yesterday.

Craig Jenness arrived here yesterday morning. Explaining the purpose of his visit to Dhaka, Jenness said Secretary General Kofi Annan has sent him to offer UN support to free and fair elections here and also express concern about some violent incidents that no one desires.

The visiting envoy said he would like to encourage the leaders of political parties to resolve their differences in the political process through dialogue.

In the afternoon, the UN envoy called on President/ Chief Adviser Iajuddin Ahmed at Bangabhaban.

The president told the envoy that all steps have been taken to hold free, fair, neutral and peaceful parliamentary elections and urged the United Nations to send observers to Bangladesh.

Listing the measures taken to remove hurdles to the polls, the president told the envoy that the chief election commissioner had gone on leave and two new election commissioners had been appointed to satisfy political parties' demands to create a congenial atmosphere for free and fair polls. He also told the envoy that the EC had announced the election schedule.

In addition, contract jobs at different levels have been cancelled and necessary reshuffles in the administration done for impartial elections, he said.

"The party who will secure electoral mandate will form the next government," the president told the envoy.

He thanked the UN secretary general for extending cooperation in advancing democratic process in Bangladesh.

In response, the special envoy said the UN does not like to see any political violence in Bangladesh and noted that all problems can be resolved through the holding of peaceful elections.

The envoy requested the chief adviser to take steps to establish peace in the country.

Jenness informed the president that he would convey the UN secretary general's concern about "political violence" during his meetings with the leaders of the major political parties.

Later, Jenness met Awami League President Sheikh Hasina and offered UN assistance to advance the democratic process in Bangladesh.

"I've come here as special envoy to support a free, fair and democratic election as the people of this country want a peaceful election," he told reporters after an hour-long meeting with the AL chief at Sudha Sadan.

Jenness hoped the issues, whatever they are, should be resolved through dialogue.

AL General Secretary Abdul Jalil, who was present at the meeting, told the reporters that UN wants free, fair and neutral elections and has offered its assistance if required.

Asked about the UN suggestion for political dialogue, he said the dialogue between parties is not required now as the matter is related to the caretaker government.

Jalil said the UN envoy expressed concern at the appointment of partisan election commissioners.

Awami League International Affairs Secretary Syed Abdul Hossain and former ambassador Ziauddin were also present.