"We share the common purpose of countering terrorism, which is a cross-border and trans-national phenomenon, and in pursuit of that we maintain full respect for national policies," said UK's Deputy Chief of Defence Admiral Charles Style at a news conference yesterday.

The agenda of his visit was to strengthen further the already strong relationship between the two traditional friends, he said at the conference in the residence of the British high commissioner in the capital.

He met the president and chief adviser to the caretaker government, and high officials of the armed forces prior to the news conference.

His two-day visit on November 20-21 to Bangladesh was part of a series of planned visits to different South Asian countries for deepening the UK's bilateral military relationship with these countries.

Responding to a question, Brigadier Paul Gibson, director of counter terrorism of the UK's ministry of defence, said Bangladesh is not a threat to regional security; rather the security forces of the country achieved a great success in finding out a number of militants following a series of countrywide bomb attacks.

"We are now offering opportunities to Bangladesh for engaging in counter-terrorism programmes," he said.

Complementing the admiral, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Anwar Choudhury said terrorism is never defeated forever, "But we need to make sure that they do not grow and become a threat to national sovereignty."

The high commissioner thinks that terrorism in Bangladesh is now in a weak position. "So, it is the proper time for us to join hands to stop the phenomenon."

Referring to his meetings with the president and the chief of the army, Admiral Charles Style said they responded positively to UK's willingness to assist Bangladesh and wanted both the countries to work together on the issue.

He said the UK might send a Royal Navy ship to Bangladesh to observe the maritime security system and to exchange technical and strategic knowledge. He however did not mention any specific time for such a visit.

The UK is in favour of inter-agency approach in countering terrorism, Charles Style said adding that the rate of success in counter-terrorism is higher in joint interrogation approach.

"We are also willing to provide Bangladesh with management training," he said adding that sharing more information among the agencies is very effective.

Asked how the UK can help when there are some historical rivalries and mistrust among some of the South Asian nations, especially between India and Pakistan, the admiral said there might have been some problems in the past, but the UK is always for change and looking for more partners for joining hands against terrorism.

Asked about the US's agreement with India on nuclear weapons, he said the UK is always concerned about nuclear proliferation. "I am not in a position to make comments on the US-India agreement," he added.

On the present political deadlock in Bangladesh, the British high commissioner said they are hopeful that the effort of the advisers will be successful in creating a congenial environment for holding a free and fair election.

"We cannot suggest any solution. This is your country and you will have to find out the solution. But as friends, we want an acceptable election so that development of the country is not hampered," he said.

Progress of Bangladesh largely depends on fair elections, he said adding that the UK and the European Union just expressed what they perceive as the public opinion in the country about the elections.