DHAKA (Reuters) - The European Union urged Bangladesh's army-backed interim government on Wednesday to lift the state of emergency ahead of elections in December, warning it may not otherwise send monitors.

"We are willing to come to monitor the polls, but only if the emergency is lifted or relaxed," said Stefan Frowein, head of the European Commission delegation in Dhaka.

"I would underline the need for a convincing restoration of civil and political freedom in good time for the election," he told local media diplomatic correspondents.

The EU suspended its election observation mission and withdrew monitors from Bangladesh in January 2007 because of political violence that led to a takeover by the interim authority.

Frowein said the EU may send 150 monitors for the December 18 poll, which would also be closely watched by other foreign and local observers.

The government has said it will relax the emergency so that parties and their supporters enjoy full freedom of movement, campaigning and voting.

"But time is running out," Frowein said.

(Reporting by Masud Karim; Writing by Anis Ahmed; Editing by David Fox)

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