"We have asked the caretaker government to follow due process to the letter and make sure every assistance is given to Sheikh Hasina within the process," he told journalists after attending a luncheon arranged by Foreign Adviser Iftekhar A Chowdhury for the visiting Sri Lankan ministerial delegation at a state guest house.

Asked whether Hasina's arrest would affect the crackdown on corruption or create a political crisis, the envoy said, "This government is treating it as simply a law and crime issue. They should follow due process, and what most people ask for is to make sure that no laws are broken to protect interests."

He went on, "We expect Sheikh Hasina issue will be resolved quickly with due legal process ... What is important here is that if anybody is arrested, evidence and due process are to be followed."

He declined to make any comment when asked whether he feels that the AL chief has been arrested as part of the 'minus-two' theory, saying it is a matter for the people and government of Bangladesh.

"Whatever is done must be done through a legal framework, for a better Bangladesh, an outstanding election and a better democracy. After all, that is what the caretaker government said it stands for."

The envoy said, "This (arrest of Hasina) is a significant event given this is a former prime minister and these are also serious charges.

"We see the government is very keen to arrest the state of corruption. I'm sure that is part of that drive. The government has been very consistent with stated principles during the past six months. We expect the Sheikh Hasina issue will resolve quickly with due legal process."

Welcoming the election roadmap announced by the Election Commission and 'reconfirmation of the election date', he said they have noticed that the roadmap allows the elections to be held earlier than November or December if the voter list is completed earlier than expected.

The high commissioner hoped that preparing the voter list does not take longer than necessary and that Britain would assist Bangladesh in holding free, fair and credible elections at the earliest.