At a press conference at the National Press Club, they demanded that the chief adviser and other advisers work collectively as a cabinet, upholding the spirit of the parliamentary form of government.

They expressed concern over the slow pace of the activities of the caretaker government, especially the chief adviser, in creating a congenial environment for a fair election by making necessary transfers in the civil and police administration.

They urged the political parties to design their next course of action keeping in mind the public sufferings and damage to the country's economy.

The citizens appreciated the caretaker government's initiative of consulting the political parties on reconstitution of the Election Commission (EC).

Dr Ajay Roy, a professor Dhaka University, read out a written speech on behalf of the citizens.

Referring to the appointment of the president's former press secretary as an adviser to the caretaker government, he said, "The official had already been controversial. So, his promotion has raised question over the neutral character of the caretaker government."

Controversial police officer Kohinoor Miah should be kept closed until completion of a probe, he said.

He demanded compensation to the family of the killed and injured in the Karwan Bazar incident.

He demanded immediate removal of the home secretary and a neutral probe into how and why the home secretary issued a circular on the deployment of army in aid to the civil administration without any consultation with the president/chief adviser or other advisers.

It might have made the political situation even more critical and the army controversial, he said, adding that the public must be informed if any vested quarter was involved in the home secretary's issuance of the circular.

He denounced the speech of the president and chief adviser that the government has turned into a presidential form following the president's assumption of the office of the chief of the caretaker government.

Dr Ajay Roy urged making clear distinctions between the activities of the president and the chief of the caretaker government.

Prof Iajuddin, who is holding the offices of both the president and chief adviser of the caretaker government, must reflect neutrality in his activities, he said.

Asked if the reforms of the EC and election in due time is possible, Dr Hamida Hossain said it is possible but the EC must work day and night and cancel the holidays.

Most of the reforms demanded by the 14-party combine are possible through ordinances, Laila Kabir said.

Voluntary resignation of the CEC is the best solution at this moment, said advocate Salma Ali.

She urged the political parties not to involve children in the political programmes and stop harassment of women.

Dr Anisuzzaman, Ajoy Roy, Dr Hayat Mahmud, Khushi Kabir, Ziauddin Tareq Ali and advocate Kohinoor Begum were also present at the press conference.