Wrapping up a three-day dialogue between the major political parties and the caretaker government, the four advisers who on behalf of the council of advisers opened the talks, yesterday met President and Chief Adviser Iajuddin Ahmed and apprised him of the outcome of the talks.

The advisers have also continued negotiation with the major political parties 'behind the scene' to reach a consensus, sources said.

"We have already informed the president about the outcome of the dialogue with the political parties and the onus now lies on him. The directions will come from him," Dr Akbar Ali Khan, who led the four-member advisory committee in negotiating with the major political parties, told reporters yesterday.

Another member of the advisory committee, CM Shafi Sami also expressed similar views.

The council of advisers to the caretaker government is likely to sit today.

During the three-days dialogue that ended yesterday, the advisers' panel talked with major political parties and alliances and sought their opinion to resolve the ongoing political crisis centring the demand for reconstitution of the Election Commission (EC).

All the political parties and alliances, except BNP and its allies, strongly recommended reconstitution of the EC including removal of the chief election commissioner (CEC).

They also recommended initiating steps by the president and chief adviser to remove the CEC if he refuses to resign willingly.

The advisers now find the issue of reconstitution of the EC very complex as the BNP-led alliance vehemently opposed removal of the CEC.

President Iajuddin Ahmed assumed the office of the chief adviser to the caretaker government on October 29 following Justice KM Hasan's refusal to take the office.

The council of advisers to the caretaker government that started searching ways for making the EC credible for holding a free and fair election will discuss the recommendations placed by the major political parties to resolve the ongoing stalemate.

"Outcome of the discussions will be conveyed to the council of advisers tomorrow," Information Adviser Mahbubul Alam told reporters yesterday.

The Awami League (AL)-led 14-party combine that enforced an indefinite blockade programme from last Sunday yesterday suspended the programme till next Sunday and threatened to enforce the programme again if their 11-point demand including reconstitution of the EC is not met by the time.

Apart from the deadline of the 14-party combine, time is running fast ahead of the next parliamentary election while the EC is preparing for announcing election schedule in between November 20 to 30.

"We have to take a decision quickly," Akbar Ali Khan said.

All the political parties want the election in right time, he said, adding, "We also believe that confidence of the political parties will return if some steps are taken."

Replying to a query, Khan said they would hold another round of dialogue, only if necessary.

Juktofront for CEC's ouster Juktofront leaders yesterday unequivocally demanded immediate removal of the chief election commissioner (CEC) and the three other election commissioners, while Jatiya Party (Manju) said if the removal