"This is a Westminster type democracy. Unless parliament decides to bring down the government, BNP will finish its term and we would be happy to see that happen, because we think stability would benefit the economy and people of Bangladesh," the envoy told newsmen after attending a luncheon meeting of Foreign Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) at Hotel Sonargaon.

Commenting on the April-30 deadline set by opposition Awami League to unseat the government for a midterm election, Thomas said, "The BNP government was elected. Its term runs out in 2006, and the US government likes to see stability with the BNP fulfilling its term." The opposition parties should not issue any deadline for the government to relinquish office if democracy has to be put on a sound footing, he added.

The US ambassador said in a nascent democracy like the one of Bangladesh, an elected government should be allowed to complete its term in order to uphold democratic practices.

When a reporter asked, "If an elected government failed to govern the country then what?" Thomas dodged the issue saying, "Never ask hypothetical questions."

He said he was unaware of the recent hartal by the business community of Old Dhaka protesting terror and extortion and the abduction of a businessman and his son on Saturday.

On the repression on AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury and his followers following the launch of his alternative political stream, the ambassador said under the constitution of Bangladesh any individual has the right to form political party and share his beliefs with people.

The US envoy maintained that Bangladesh must improve law and order, develop infrastructure and curb corruption in order to woo foreign investment. He said many of the American firms operating in Bangladesh had gone through hard times and that was one reason why the flow of American and other investments here declined. "We need that to increase employment for people. If you can't employ people, it's no matter who rules the country," he added.

Asked if he observed any progress in US investment in Bangladesh since he had come to Dhaka, Thomas said, "In terms of new investment, no."

Expressing concern over some reported violations of contract sanctity, Thomas said it was the binding agreement that protected all signatories.

He mentioned some incidents, in one of which the Rajuk revoked a licence that it had previously granted to an American investor, who bought land to build a multi-storeyed office and shopping complex at Gulshan four years ago. Even a court decision in favour of the US investor has not resolved the issue, he told his business audience.

The ambassador pleaded with the government to stay steady on its course on macroeconomic reform and keep its market open. Bangladesh must do all it can to nurture growth in the private sector and remove remaining barriers to international and regional trade, he observed.