They also demanded registration of political parties, regular audit of party accounts and provision for negative vote in the polls.

The speakers called upon people to raise their voices against black money holders who are trying to participate in the election.

They also stressed the need for people's unity to save democracy in the country.

The discussion on 'Next general election and crisis in election process and system' was organised by Bangladesh Unnayan Parishad (BUP) at the National Press Club with its Chairman Quazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad in the chair.

The speakers observed that there is no need for caretaker government if the election commission is independent and powerful.

Mashih Malik Chowdhury, a life member of BUP, presented a keynote paper at the discussion.

He proposed formation of a supervisory commission on state affairs comprising maximum seven members including two immediate-past chief justices.

The commission will appoint chief election commissioner and two of his deputies on the basis of consultation with grassroots level political and social activists.

He also suggested registration of political parties and audit of their income and expenditure including the tax token and provision of negative vote in the election.

He said the parties which failed to obtain any seat in parliament in last 20 years should not get the status of a political party.

Mashih said only those people should get nomination who are elected by the party workers of their areas to prevent black money holders.

Besides, for getting nomination from a party, the aspirant must be a member of that party at least for five years, he observed.

Khondoker Ibrahim Khaled, managing director of Pubali Bank, stressed the need for protecting the voting rights of people.

He urged people to foil all sorts of conspiracy against democracy.

Khaled stressed the need for developing democratic culture in the society.

"Due to lack of democratic culture, the country often goes under autocracy and military rule," he pointed out.

Former member of parliament Hafizuddin Ahmed Mojumdar demanded powerful election commission as well as powerful parliament.

He said the Speaker in parliament often becomes spineless as he belongs to the ruling party.

"The Speaker must be impartial to strengthen parliament," he added.

Justice Golam Rabbani said elitism in the society will exist until the local administration is strengthen properly.

He also demanded commitment from political parties before the election about establishing people's rule in the country.

Demanding immediate resignation of the chief election commissioner and his two deputies, Taheruddin said people must have confidence in the person who would conduct the election.

He also underscored the need for development of political culture in the society.

Abdul Karim, managing director of Midas, urged people to raise voices for honest and dedicated candidates before the next general election.

He was critical of political parties which are lobbing for bringing the person who was once an autocrat and champion in corruption into their alliance.