In a statement on Tuesday, the EU welcomed efforts by the caretaker government and the Election Commission to "create appropriate conditions for holding free and fair elections in 2008 and for ensuring sustainable democracy."

The statement said a EU Troika visited Bangladesh from June 6-9 for intensive and constructive discussions with the representatives from government, key institutions and civil society. This was the second EU Troika visit to Bangladesh, following the one in January last year.

As the largest trading and development partner of Bangladesh, the EU said, it attaches immense importance to its relationship with the country. The EU took around 52 percent of Bangladesh's exports, amounting to over 5 billion euro in 2006.