He expressed the optimism while talking to newsmen after calling on Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at her office yesterday afternoon.

Timms said he had a "very good discussions"' with the prime minister. The bilateral relations, development assistance and also the forthcoming general elections in Bangladesh were among the issues discussed.

He said his country believes that the next polls in Bangladesh would be free and fair with participation of all parties.

The British cabinet minister appreciated Bangladesh's achievements in different sectors like education, health, women empowerment, infrastructure development, poverty reduction and economic growth.

Khaleda Zia sought British assistance in exploration of oil and gas and other mineral resources in the country.

She appreciated the commitment of the UK government to provide Bangladesh with financial assistance for development of primary education.

She said 'school meal' is her priority programme and the UK's assistance towards this programme would help it improve further.

Khaleda also sought assistance in training of civil servants and nurses.

While the British minister lauded Dhaka as a beautiful and big city, the prime minister told him about the plan for more flyovers, underpasses, over bridges and elevated expressways.

PM's Principal Secretary Dr Kamal Siddiqui and British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Anwar Chowdhury were present at the meeting.