They alleged that pro-Awami League lawyers have been continuously misinterpreting the constitution using the banner of Supreme Court Bar and forming human chains and chanting slogans on Supreme Court premises for the last eight months.

"It is completely illogical to demand removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) MA Aziz as CEC is a constitutional post," said Justice Habibur Islam Bhuiyan, joint convener of the Forum, while addressing a press conference at Supreme Court Bar Association office in the city.

He also said that the demands of removal of CEC and reconstitution of election commission have no logic and it is not possible to meet their demands by January 25, 2007.

"It is very regrettable that Supreme Court Bar Association suggested ousting CEC through forming Supreme Judicial Council few days ago," he added.

Terming the countrywide blockade 'tantamount to an act of sedition', Shah Khasruzzaman, member secretary of the Forum, said people's right to life and livelihood and their freedom of movement have been violated through paralysing the country.

The closure of mills, factories and business establishments due to the blockade has also hit hard the economy, he added.

The lawyers called on the president/chief adviser to take stern measures to protect people's life and property, restore normality and to keep the economy on track.

Among others, Forum leaders Advocates Saidur Rahman, Joynal Abedin, Golam Arshad and Firoz Shah were also present at the press conference.