They said a broad consensus of both the parties is needed to ensure a free, fair and credible election.

The discussion on 'Existing election system and reforms in the caretaker government: Debate and solution' was organised by the Centre for Democracy at the National Press Club in the city.

Centre for Democracy President Abul Ahsan said apart from reforms in the caretaker government system, power and resources of the EC should be enhanced.

"It is the EC which plays vital role in conducting the elections," he added.

Major General (Retd) Moinul Hussain Chowdhury, former advisor to the caretaker government, said the 13th amendment of the constitution that introduced the caretaker government system and some articles of it are not clear.

"There are some grey areas in the amendment that can be exploited," he said.

Moinul Hussain said, "Mere strengthening of the institution is not enough, the people in the EC will have to exercise their power."

On the criticism of wholesale transfer of senior government officials just before the last general election, he said, "It was done to ensure a free and fair election and I will recommend the next caretaker government to do the same."

"Unfortunately it is a fact that political governments politicise the administration and give posting of their favourable people in important positions before they hand over power to the interim government," he said.

Brigadier General (Retd) Shakhawat Hossain urged the political parties not to make sweeping criticism about Army's role in elections and make the institution controversial.

He opposed the opposition's demand of transferring the charge of defence ministry to the caretaker government and said, "It is the President who represents people as he is elected by parliament."

Executive Director of Democracy Watch Taleya Rahman, former ambassador Mohammad Zamir and former bureaucrat Golam Rahman also took part in the discussion.