In a statement made yesterday in response to questions regarding the current political situation in Bangladesh and the prospect of a free and fair election, he said, "The UK was disappointed that the political impasse has led to the grand alliance's decision to boycott the election."

Stressing the need for a legitimate and credible government in Bangladesh, the British envoy said, "This would require full participation of all major parties."

The High Commissioner went on to say, "For the elections to be credible, the institutions responsible for the election must enjoy the confidence of the major parties. The UK urges all parties to engage in constructive dialogue in order to address how to achieve this."

Expressing concern over the possible violence in the coming weeks, Choudhury said, "We call on all parties to exercise restraint and to refrain from political violence."

"The current political difficulties will not be solved by violence, which has no place in a modern democratic society," the high commissioner said, adding, "We trust that the president and caretaker administration will respond to any incidences of political confrontation in a proportionate manner in keeping with international standards."