Dhaka, Jan 4 (UNB) - Visiting UK Minister for Communities and Local Government John Denham on Monday said Britain wants to see participatory democracy in Bangladesh with a fully functioning parliament.

Talking to UNB, Denham who arrived here on a three-day official visit, said UK steadfastly wanted a return to democracy in this country and Britain helped in a smaller way in preparing the voter lists for free and fair elections.

Asked about the opposition’s continued abstention from parliament, he said these are issues that need to be worked out here.

“What’s very clear is Bangladesh’s return to democracy through successful election and that is important,” the British Minister said, adding UK will continue to support democratic process in Bangladesh.

Denham, who met with LGRD Minister Syed Ashraful Islam, said Ashraful is interested in strengthening expertise to improve delivery system of local government.

Already there is some kind cooperation between local authorities in Bangladesh and the UK, he said, adding that he would look whether there is further scope of cooperation.

The British Minister, who had a meeting with Foreign Minister Dipu Moni over a lunch, said it is possible to further strengthen cooperation in poverty alleviation, climate change, education, role of women in society, labour rights, and transparency issues.

Asked about the UK assistance for adaptation to climate change in Bangladesh, he said UK has committed 150 million pounds in development aids that also include climate change for next three years.

On the outcome of the Copenhagen summit, Denham said though most of the countries including UK and Bangladesh looked for a legally binding agreement this could not be achieved but there was agreement by developed and developing nations to reduce the carbon emission.

He praised Bangladesh’s work in the run up to the Copenhagen and in the conference, and Bangladesh has been recognized as the most vulnerable country of the world.

Besides, Denham said there is a pledge for a multilateral fund of US$ 30 billion for adaptation program for the next three years and long-term funding of US$ 100 billion proposed by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

He added: “We are keen to see progress in mobilization of the funding from donors for adaptation program.”

During his stay here, Denham will call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and will visit Sylhet. He will also exchange views with young Bangladeshis participating in the British Council programs and on cooperation between schools in Bangladesh and UK.

British Labour Party candidate Rushanara Ali, who is contesting from Bethnal Green and Bow seat in East London in the upcoming House of Commons election, was present.