"I think the poll would not be acceptable to anyone in the world. But the election must be held within 90 days to act in accordance with the constitution," viewed Ruhul while talking to reporters at his food ministry office.

According to the adviser, consensus between the major political parties is the best way to resolve the present political crisis.

In this regard, Ruhul gave example of the 1991 elections and said consensus among the major parties allowed the constitution to be amended after the elections.

Ruhul said, "No one has the right to violate the constitution," adding, "If required, the constitution will be amended after consulting with the major parties."

"Political parties are responsible for the current political crisis. So they will have to find out a solution through mutual understanding," the adviser added.

When asked whether the advisers will resign given the current situation, Ruhul said, "Relinquishing duties means ignoring. I am not that kind of person."

The adviser warned that the government would confront efforts to resist the election saying, "The army will be on patrol during the grand alliance's blockade programmes on January 7 and 8. Stern action will be taken as per law against people trying to obstruct traffic."

Adviser Shoeb Ahmed reiterated his view that the nation has been plunged into a crisis, but denied the impression that the caretaker government is inert.

"It is not true that we are not doing anything. We will have to approach both parties to settle the issue," Shoeb said.

However, he did not specify how they would approach the parties. "We will have to decide on the approach at the advisers' council meeting," he said.

"You will see the action required for a solution in due time. You will have to wait a little while," Shoeb added.

Adviser Fazlul Haque said he did not agree with the view of a legal expert, who said the constitutional provision to hold the elections within 90 days is 'directory,' not 'mandatory.'

"The election schedule could have been extended if it was directory."

Fazlul said since they do not possess 'Aladdin's lamp' they couldn't bring all parties to the polls.

But he skirted around questions regarding the voter list, saying, "We have learnt from different countries that their voter lists also contain errors. Ours is not an exception to this rule, so we do not see anything wrong in our voter list."

Adviser Shafiqul Haque Chowdhury said the council of advisers have to find out new and innovative ways to see if the polls schedule can be extended.