"The present caretaker government took over when the people of Bangladesh got scared due to political violence," she said in a talk show titled "Samoyer Kotha" on BTV last night.

Butenis said the government has also got support from the international community, which still believes that the caretaker government will transfer power to an elected government by the end of 2008. "Because," she added, "An unelected government for a long time can be dangerous for a democratic country."

The US envoy, who leaves Dhaka today ending her assignment here, said the government should make room for political parties to participate in dialogue with the Election Commission on electoral and political reforms.

"Political parties should be the dialogue partners of the Election Commission," Butenis said.

She stressed the need for ensuring a situation where the leaders of political parties could meet and discuss to resolve the matter of choosing their leadership. "The US takes a stand in favour of democracy."

Butenis hoped that the people of Bangladesh would get a better society through an elected government in 2008.

About relationship between the two countries, she said there is a close relation between the USA and Bangladesh and termed Bangladesh its close partner in various sectors, including counter-terrorism and development works.

About the caretaker government's activities in curbing corruption, she said the Anti-Corruption Commission is doing a great job, "But it's not possible to eliminate corruption during a period of a caretaker government."

"All the problems that Bangladesh facing at present are inter-linked with each other. So, it's not possible to solve those overnight. The attitude of the people must be changed to eliminate corruption from the country," Butenis said.

She further said it has to be ensured that the arrested corruption suspects can defend themselves legally.

Replying to question about the US assistance for Bangladesh during the next elections, she said the US government is working with the international community to help Bangladesh hold the next election in a free and fair manner.

"We want to work with the Election Commission for holding the elections in a free and fair manner. Like the previous years, the US government will provide technical assistance and funding to Bangladesh to hold a free and fair election," Butenis said.

Replying to another question, she said, "We don't have any secret agenda in Bangladesh. We're neutral and we don't support any political party."

She said her saddest part in Bangladesh is that BNP and Awami league had agreed to have dialogue but they could not agree who would be the chief adviser to the caretaker government. "I feel vary sad for that," the US ambassador said, replying to a question about her saddest part in Bangladesh.