All parties to participate in upcoming polls

He made the comment after a meeting with Awami League (AL) chief Sheikh Hasina last evening.

Choudhury, however, also stressed the need for minimising the abuse of the imperfect voter list in all aspects of the election process.

"I am optimistic the alliance look to be strong in their engagement to participate in elections," said Choudhury to reporters after an hour-long meeting with Hasina at Sudha Sadan.

"The good news is that we have reasons to be optimistic that there will be participatory elections," said an upbeat Choudhury, adding, "We are hopeful that everybody can participate in the elections on the 22nd."

When asked whether he thought the Saturday's agreement between AL and Khelafat Majlish on certain issues might affect religious minorities such as the Ahmadiyyas, he said, "No matter what the nature of the alliances are, I hope that freedom of speech, the maintenance of human rights and respect for the freedom to practice one's religion will remain within the people and the political parties of Bangladesh."

On the controversy over the voter roll, Choudhury said, "There are no perfect voter lists," but, "What is important is the voter list has to be backed up by the other processes that ensure that excess voters cannot be abused."

Choudhury said the voter list is a single issue and it alone cannot prevent a free and fair election, adding that there is much to work on the voter list for the caretaker government and there is a need to implement the checks and balances that prevent the system from being abused.

When asked about British contribution to the elections, Choudhury mentioned that over 1 million pounds sterling have been provided by his government to different organisations that are working to facilitate the electoral process and raise awareness on electoral issues.

British observers would be sent through the European Union, which is set to establish a full team, Choudhury added.