"No government has so far appointed the chief election commissioner (CEC) or election commissioners in consultation with the opposition. Then why the present government is being forced to do it?" he posed a question.

The minister was speaking at a publication ceremony of his book titled 'Sangsade Ja Bolechhi' at the Cirdap auditorium in the city. The University Press Limited has published the book based on the parliamentary speeches of Moudud.

On the opposition's demand for reforms of the caretaker government, Moudud said, "The opposition party did not raise any question about the caretaker government system in 1996 when it came to power, but it has raised the demand for the reforms after being defeated in the 2001 election."

He also stressed the need for banning hartal, keeping the student organisations away from the national politics, decentralisation and land reforms.

The minister defended his position in the face of severe criticism over his activities, saying that "This is what I am; some people like me and some others dislike me, but I cannot change my own entity."

There is no politician in the world who never faced any criticism, he added.

Those who are now calling for the rule of law established the one-party rule in 1975, Moudud said.

"Even Suranjit Sengupta did not sign the constitution in 1972 as he was not involved with the Awami League then, but today he defends the constitution," he said.

Speaking on the occasion, AL presidium member Suranjit Sengupta MP said, "Moudud has only one ideology -- clinging to the ruling party whatever it is."

He strongly demanded immediate cancellation of all controversial recruitments in order to enable the EC to independently arrange a free and fair election.

"Without a free and fair election, we can never expect to have an effective parliament," he added.

Mahfuz Anam, editor of The Daily Star, said, "I respect Moudud as he dares to appear in public despite knowing that he might be severely criticised."

Although Moudud has been involved with different governments for long, he has failed to bring about any qualitative change in the country, Anam added.

Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, executive director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), said Moudud will remain in history by accomplishing the tasks of separating the judiciary, strengthening the local government, introducing ombudsman and making the EC independent.

Presided over by Mohiuddin Ahmed, publisher of The University Press Limited, the publication ceremony was also addressed by Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon, former Dhaka University vice- chancellor Prof Emazuddin Ahmed, Jatiya Party leader Anwar Hossain Manju MP, AL leader Colonel Shawkat Ali MP, Jatiya Party leader GM Qader MP and former minister Mizanur Rahman Shelley.