The observations came from British High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury, Indian High Commissioner Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty and Pakistan High Commissioner Alamgir Babar after their separate courtesy calls on Foreign Affairs Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury at his office.

"I think the caretaker government needs to focus on election and how a credible, free and fair election can be held as soon as possible," Anwar Choudhury told reporters, adding, "We welcome the steps so far taken by the caretaker government."

Asked if he thinks the agenda set by the caretaker government is ambitious, the envoy said he will not comment on that but said the people and political parties will look into it. "What everybody seems to be agreed is that they want a free, fair and credible election."

To another question, Choudhury said Britain supports democracy in Bangladesh and "We're saying the caretaker government will create a right atmosphere for a free and fair election at the earliest opportunity."

He however said the timeframe for the election will be decided by the caretaker government and the Election Commission.

Indian High Commissioner Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty said, "Bangladesh is a democratic country, India is also a democratic country. We want Bangladesh to have a successful democracy and Bangladesh will decide how to learn to be a successful democratic country."

He said India believes that the electoral system in Bangladesh should inspire confidence in voters by being transparent and neutral. A comprehensive voter roll, published well in advance of the polling day, is fundamental to the people's right to exercising their franchise.

Chakravarty said, "We're willing to support any initiative, including those the president may take, in the coming days and which will help address the reservation being expressed by major political parties on the issue of holding free and fair elections, and resolution of which will ensure the participation of all political parties."

The Indian envoy said it is crucial that there be no interruption in the democratic process of Bangladesh. This is not only vital for strengthening democracy in Bangladesh, but also for the country's future and long-term stability.

"As a friendly neighbour, we're naturally interested in Bangladesh remaining peaceful, democratic and stable," he said, adding, "It's our hope that the people of Bangladesh will be able to elect a government of their own choice in a free, fair, credible, peaceful and democratic election with the participation of all political parties."

In reply to a question, the high commissioner said India is keen to remain constructively engaged with this government and "We want to know whether we can move forward on various issues, meetings and we got a very clear signal today that this government will remain constructively engaged with India."

Pakistan High Commissioner Alamgir Babar said they want the caretaker government will fulfil its programme as soon as possible to have the general election.

He said Pakistan and Bangladesh have very positive relations both at the working and political levels and "our relationship is moving forward very smoothly."

In reply to a question, the high commissioner said it is the expectation of the people of Bangladesh that the caretaker government will hold the general election as early as possible. "We support the expectation of the people of Bangladesh," he added.