They said if the EC is given full power with separate budget, it will be able to play the prime role of the caretaker government to hold an impartial election.

The roundtable on "The Caretaker Government Debate: Constitutional Reality " was organised by Jatiya Lekhok Forum, a forum of writers, at the National Press Club in the city.

The speakers said the caretaker government system, which was invented from the lack of mutual trust among the political parties, and exists nowhere in the world, would not be needed if there is a strong election commission in the country.

They said if the voter identity card is introduced, there will be no scope of vote rigging.

Moderated by Poet Abdul Hye Shikder, the discussion was participated by Communications Minister Nazmul Huda, State Minister for Law Muhammad Shahjahan Omar, Jatiya Party (Ershad) lawmaker G M Quader, BNP lawmaker Lt General (Retd) Mahbubur Rahman, Islami Oikyajote leader Abdur Rouf Yusufi, Deputy Attorney General Golam Mohammad Chowdhury, columnist M M Rezaul Karim and journalist Gias Kamal Chowdhury.

Rezaul Karim said the EC should be reformed giving it full independence with separate budget. There should be a dialogue by all in parliament in this regard, he added.

G M Quader said the ruling coalition should have a discussion with the opposition on the reform of the caretaker government issue no matter they accept the proposal or not.

Abdur Rouf Yusufi said if the EC is strengthened, then election could be held neutrally, even under a party government.

Nazmul Huda said the victory of A B M Mohiuddin Chowdhury as a mayor of Chittagong does not mean the win of Awami League.

He said general public does not support the opposition demand for reforms of the caretaker government.