Terming the dialogue on electoral reforms a 'very good' initiative, he emphasised the need for a free and fair election. He also said that his government would provide all kinds of assistance for the continuation of democratic process in the country.

The British minister was talking to reporters after a symposium held at Bangladesh-China Conference Centre in the city on the occasion of 15th anniversary of the Muslim Aid in Bangladesh.

Wishing success to the proposed secretaries-level dialogue, British High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury said, "Democracy in Bangladesh is now under threat. So, both the parties should have the will to make it a success."

The entire nation is looking forward to the outcome of the talks, he said, adding that reaching a consensus before the election is necessary as the polls results have to be accepted by all parties.

He also said both the parties made allout efforts to find out a solution to the present crisis.

He hoped that the secretaries-level dialogue would continue if they fail to reach a consensus this time.

"The British High Commission stands there to assist Bangladesh at all levels of election," he added.

Law Minister Moudud Ahmed, however, declined to comment on the dialogue.

Replying to a query, Stephen Timms said the Muslim Aid is absolutely a philanthropic organisation serving humanity irrespective of caste and creed.

Terming 'militancy' a threat to the development of Bangladesh, he said that although the country has achieved remarkable progress in curbing terrorism, much remains to be done in this connection.

At the symposium, Muslim Aid country directors from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Indonesia exchanged views on how the organisation can help the vulnerable people in the wake of natural disasters such as cyclone, tsunami and earthquake and wars and conflicts across the world through providing medical care, education and microcredit.

SM Rasheduzzaman, country director in Bangladesh, Brian McAndrew, organisational development adviser, UK headquarters, Barrister Hamid Azad, head of overseas programmes of the organisation, and Industries Minister Motiur Rahman Nizami also spoke.