"Reforms in the electoral system are a must. The EC has to be independent, and trust and accountability are of the essence in such an institution. It should be voter-friendly as well," said Prof Muzaffer Ahmad, president of Sujon.

Sushasoner Jonyo Nagorik (Sujon) and Debate for Democracy jointly organised the debate on 'Free and fair election can be held only through electoral reforms' at Baitul Iqra auditorium in the city.

Six participants presented their arguments in the debate conducted in parliamentary style.

Treasury bench members stressed reforms in the electoral system, including appointment of an 'acceptable' chief election commissioner, introduction of transparent ballot boxes and provision of photographs of candidates beside the election symbols on the ballot paper and submission of reports on income and election expenses of a candidate.

On the other hand, the opposition attached top priority to the political will.

Later, Prof Muzaffer Ahmad said the Election Commission has failed to perform its duty, as it is incapable of going against the government's wishes.

He stressed that the EC should have the authority to hold elections and form investigation committee to look into any election-related irregularities and take action against the culprits.

The people should be made aware of their constitutional rights in order to restore trust in the democratic institutions and bring the honest and competent candidates to power, he added.

Speaking as the chief guest, Prof Emajuddin Ahmed said the spirit of coordination among the political parties, which was seen during the 1991 elections, no longer exists today.

The major political parties then agreed on the separation of the judiciary from the executive and freedom of the press, but all of those have been shelved, he said.

Prof Emajuddin suggested that the president should be given more power and the opposition leaders should participate in parliamentary institutions.

He also called for behavioural change and reforms in the political parties.

Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar called on the lawmakers to ensure accountability and good governance.

The speakers also called for an end to the use of muscle power and black money in elections, decentralisation of the government and the establishment of a true democracy.

Nowajish Ali Khan, senior vice-president ATN Bangla, Rafiqul Islam Sarkar, former chief news editor of Bangladesh Television, and Prof Dr Borhanuddin Khan also spoke.

Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron, chairman of Debate for Democracy, moderated the debate.