Bangladesh's major development partners were shocked and worried about the functioning of the caretaker government following resignation of four advisers, halfway through the election process.

The US, UK, Germany and Canada appreciated the advisers' hard work to create a positive political climate for the upcoming elections and said their resignation is unfortunate.

A spokesman for the US embassy told the news agency that the advisers' resignation would pose a serious challenge to the concept of neutral and nonparty caretaker government.

"Their decision that they could no longer serve effectively, and that they had no recourse but resignation, is unfortunate and a serious challenge to the concept of a neutral and nonpartisan caretaker government," the spokesman said.

He hoped that the chief adviser

would take steps to break the political impasse afflicting the nation.

British High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury took it as an unfortunate development that "creates uncertainty over the functioning of the interim administration".

German Ambassador Frank Meyke noted that the resignation of such dedicated patriots showed the seriousness of the situation.

The envoy stressed the need for a democratic solution to the crisis to ensure free and fair elections.

Canadian High Commissioner Barbara Richardson said Canada is concerned to hear of the resignation of four advisers and the stated reasons for this unprecedented action.

She said the advisers accepted a very difficult task at a critical moment and they worked with integrity and diligence to honour that obligation.

'Their departure will be a

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significant loss for the caretaker government and its important work," Ms Richardson said.

She said Canada has great respect and admiration for their efforts for resolving the political crisis and for their evident personal commitment to the responsibilities that they carried on behalf of the people of Bangladesh.