The advisers also skirted around the reporters queries on a potential constitutional crisis stemming from an extended election schedule. The council of advisers will meet for the next three days to search out possible ways to resolve the current political crisis, they said adding that it would be possible only if the political parties are sincere.

Following yesterday's grand alliance announcement, the advisers held several meetings to discuss their views and unsuccessfully sought an appointment with President and Chief Adviser (CA) Iajuddin Ahmed at Bangabhaban.

"This is a huge crisis.......we cannot give instant reactions but the council of advisers will sit to discuss ways to resolve it," Information Adviser Mahbubul Alam told reporters after a meeting with two of his colleagues. "The chief adviser will call a meeting of the council of advisers where we will certainly find a solution," he added.

Asked whether the crisis can be resolved within such a short space of time before January 22 and if the election will become an one-party election, Mahbub said, "We cannot possibly answer this question now, let's see what happens."

Regarding cancellation of former dictator and Jatiya Party (JP) Chairman HM Ershad's nomination papers, he said, "This is something for the Election Commission and the judiciary to decide, we cannot intervene in these decisions."

Terming the situation as a national crisis, Adviser Shoaib Ahmed, however, expressed hope that there are still ways for a solution. "We need to work together to resolve the crisis. But the main role has to be played by the political parties, we can only assist in the process."

Adviser Azizul Haq told the reporters, "If all political parties are sincere, then we can escape this crisis within the next 23 days (days left for the caretaker government to hold elections)."

"We will also sit with constitutional experts to discuss how this crisis can be resolved," he said adding, "I am hopeful that all parties will participate in the polls."

Adviser Dhiraj Kumar Nath said, "We never thought that the Awami League would boycott the elections, but we will continue our efforts to hold an election participated by all parties."

They had thought that AL will contest the polls, as except a small part of the package proposal, all were implemented, he added.

Shafiqual Haque Chowdhury said that a solution is inevitable, as all parties want an election.