Britain urges Bangladesh to return to democracy

DHAKA, Feb 9 (Reuters) - British Foreign Secretary David Miliband urged Bangladesh on Saturday to return to the democratic process "as soon as feasible."

Bangladesh has been under a state of emergency since January last year, when an interim government took power, cancelled an election due on Jan. 22, 2007, banned political activity and launched a drive against corruption.

"We hope the state of emergency will be lifted in due course and parliamentary elections will be held by the end of the current year as pledged by the caretaker government," Miliband told a news conference at the end of his two-day visit.

Miliband arrived here on Friday to discuss the political situation in Bangladesh, extremism, climate change and bilateral issues.

He said he was confident Bangladesh could hold a fair election.

Miliband voiced Britain's support for ongoing reforms in Bangladesh, and steps taken to hold dialogue between the government and political parties.

More than 170 people including former ministers and leaders of political parties have been detained for misuse of power and corruption.

"We encourage a positive and constructive dialogue between political parties and the caretaker government," Miliband said adding "we want to support strong, independent, effective democratic institutions."

Asked to comment on the two detained prime ministers, Miliband only said: "Judicial process should be fair, and free from any interference."