The United Kingdom (UK) has welcomed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's move to hold dialogues with major political parties of the country.
"This is a positive initiative as we believe that participation of all the parties is crucial to the development of Bangladesh," said Alison Blake, British high commissioner in Dhaka.
She said this to waiting reporters after her meeting with foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Sunday.
Commenting on the parley, Dr Momen said he discussed a whole swathe of issues of mutual interest with Ms Blake.
Responding to a query, he said the issue of extraditing Bangladesh Nationalist Party [BNP] senior vice-chairman Tarique Rahman was not discussed during the meeting.
"The law minister can tell you about any development in the [repatriation] issue," Dr Momen mentioned.
Mr Tarique, the son of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, went to London in 2007 during the military-backed caretaker government regime.
He has since then been staying there with family members.
Last year, Mr Tarique was convicted in two cases in absentia.
Asked whether they discussed the December 30 general election, the minister said the election was held in a free and fair manner.
"The UK has cited some sporadic incidents of irregularities and called for an investigation," he added.
Dr Momen said, "We have also the same stance as we urge the Election Commission to probe such incidents, if any."
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com