"As members of law enforcing agencies, neutral role of the armed forces is very important in the national election," Iajuddin said while addressing senior military officers at Senakunja in Dhaka Cantonment.

He said the devotion, professional skill and neutrality of the members of the armed forces in providing all out cooperation to the EC in holding successful, fair and neutral elections in the past, have earned confidence of the people as well as of different foreign agencies.

"The armed forces must be ready for the sake of the state and the people… I hope you'll jointly demonstrate your professionalism for maintaining democratic process and discharge your responsibilities by rising above all controversies," he said, according to a UNB report.

About the unrest on the eve of transfer of power late last month, the president, who is also the commander-in-chief, said the armed forces were kept on alert for a while during the period to control the evolving situation if the necessity would arise and to prevent any kind of unwarranted chaos in the country.

He said the armed forces proved their neutrality by exhibiting their professionalism, patience and tolerance in such an unexpected situation.

"The way the members of the armed forces played a strong role in maintaining peace and discipline in the past earning the confidence of the people, I do hope they will maintain the trend in the future," he said.

Professor Ahmed said, "If peace and discipline are maintained, it'll be possible to hold a free, fair and neutral election for the country and the people."

The president said he had to assume the additional responsibilities of the chief adviser as the last option of the constitution and formed the council of advisers.

He said it is the prime responsibility of the caretaker government to extend all-out cooperation to the EC under Article 58B (2) of the constitution in holding peaceful, free and neutral elections within the scheduled time.

Professor Ahmed said his caretaker government is committed to discharging its assigned responsibilities entrusted by the constitution.

"I firmly believe, I'll be able to present a free, neutral and acceptable election through concerted efforts of all," he said.

The president also said the caretaker government has been working to uphold the constitution and to consolidate democracy. The upcoming parliamentary election is very important for institutionalising democracy and welfare of the people. "We'll have to successfully conclude this gigantic task of national importance," he said.

He urged the armed forces to be imbued with the spirit of patriotism alongside their professional efficiency and discipline in discharging their assigned duties, and "to extend cooperation, if necessary, in holding the upcoming election in a fair, neutral manner."

Later, the president had separate meetings with the chiefs of the three forces.