"Like all others in Bangladesh, we welcome the timeline and hope very much that it will be achieved," he said at a press conference at his Baridhara residence in the city.

It is up to the people and the politicians of Bangladesh to decide whether the 18-month period for preparations for the election is too long or too short, he said in reply to a question.

The high commissioner said it is agreed that the efforts of the present government are geared towards not only holding a free election, but also defining a new baseline for future democracy and good environment.

About the UK's aid to Bangladesh, he said their aid is not conditional; so it will not be hampered during the tenure of the interim government. However, he said they look forward to better governance and a corruption-free country.

The agreements on aid issues are made with elected governments, but during this government the arrangements will be on interim basis, Anwar Choudhury said.

Asked about the present investment environment, the British high commissioner said there is less corruption now and the bureaucracy is more efficient, which is evident in the improved services in the Chittagong port.

He also said that there has been a slight improvement in economic activities, but not much significant. It is hoped that in the changed context the commercial and business activities will be more vibrant, he added.

Referring to Foreign Affairs Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury's visit to the UK, he said the adviser will meet the British foreign secretary and discuss the political situation and the issues of governance, corruption and climate change.