Addressing a roundtable discussion on the caretaker government system, he said the chief adviser of the caretaker government must be such a person about whom no one has any reservations. Samaj Ekush Shatak, a social organisation, organised the discussion at the National Press Club in the city.

"People do not consider the elected persons as their proper representatives and it makes obvious the flaws in the exiting electoral systems," Dr Kamal observed.

He called upon the people from all social strata to unite in opposition to the 'anti-people politics'.

Awami League (AL) Presidium Member Dr Mahiuddin Khan Alamgir made a number of suggestions at the discussion regarding reforms in the caretaker government and Election Commission.

He said, "Besides incorporating all voters' names on the voter's list, the Election Commission must ensure their security, and proper means to count votes and present the election results."

He also proposed that the polling period should be staggered like in India for proper management and monitoring of the election.

The AL presidium member also suggested that a returning committee in place of a returning officer be introduced to minimise the scope for influencing the on-duty staff at the polling centres.

"The provision for magisterial power of the security forces during the election period must be withdrawn as well," he added.

Besides, there should be no room left for the caretaker government and EC to issue any 'clandestine direction', Dr Alamgir said.

He also stressed the need for enacting a new law to effect foolproof security for the minority voters.

Speaking at the roundtable, Professor MM Akash said economic independence is important for the EC to hold a free and fair election.

The election can never be held free and fair as long as the parties keep giving nominations in exchange of money, Dilip Barua of Samyabadi Dal said.

Workers Party leader Fazlay Hossain Badsha, Gono Azadi League leader Abdus Samad, Samaj Ekush Shatak President Professor Dr Sultana Shafi, Dhaka University Teachers Association (Duta) President AAMS Arefin Siddique, Professor Anisuzzaman, Professor Abul Barkat, former education minister ASHK Sadeq MP, the Daily Ittefaq Editor Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury and Bangladesh Supreme Court Bar Association President Mahbubay Alam, among others, spoke at the discussion.