"The next election is very crucial for Bangladesh and if it goes wrong all the development objectives would be hindered," he told newsmen at a meet-the-press programme organised by the Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU) at its auditorium yesterday.

"We want to see a stable, democratic and prosperous Bangladesh in the interest of relation between the two friendly countries," he said. Out of nine major areas of British foreign policy, seven are related to Bangladesh, he explained.

The British envoy underscored the necessity of holding direct talks--instead of exchanging letters--between the two major political parties of the country for easing the political deadlock. He also talked about reducing corruption, combating terrorism and strengthening relations between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom (UK).

Choudhury lauded the recent government action to combat terrorism. "Though it took much time, we must recognise what the government has done," he said, urging people not to take the easy path of violence instead of solving the problems through discussion.

Observing that the conflicting politics is one of the main bottlenecks in the country's development process, he said the ruling and opposition parties should work together in the greater interest of the nation.

Asked whether or not the donors will accept the result of the next election if it is held without the reforms demanded by the main opposition, Choudhury said the development partners will closely observe the election process and decide later about recognising it.

The international communities will have their views and NGOs will also have opinion about the election results, he pointed out.

Choudhury regretted the existence of huge corruption in the society that has denied Bangladesh the pace of development Vietnam, Malaysia and South Korea achieved. "You could grow at the rate of at least seven per cent if the corruption is tackled as you tackled extremism," he said.

On the UK-Bangladesh relationship, the British ambassador said the UK has changed its foreign policy and is giving more importance to Bangladesh.

"We have already increased the aid to Bangladesh in the last 18 months and it would be increased substantially in the future," he said. The UK has been providing over $250 million aid to Bangladesh annually, he noted.

He also pointed out that there are around $4 billion worth of British investments in Bangladesh and another $1 billion is waiting to come.

Choudhury appreciated the role played by nearly half a million Bangladeshis living in the UK as they are making "important contribution" to the British economy. "But Bangladesh should stop exporting politics there," Choudhury said.

DRU President Shafiqul Karim and General Secretary Shahed Chowdhury were present at the meeting.