Dr Kamal told reporters at Zia International Airport (ZIA) that the voter list was not updated in line with the Supreme Court (SC) directive and an election without a neutral caretaker government or a correct voter list is not acceptable.

Dr Kamal, also the president of Gonoforum, arrived at the ZIA at around noon yesterday after a month-long stay in Washington, DC attending an arbitration on a maritime border dispute between Guyana and Surinam.

Leaders and activists of Gonoforum and the Awami League-led 14-party alliance welcomed him with flower garlands and slogans.

The Gonoforum chief praised the people for rejecting the election through a countrywide successful uprising. About the constitutional provision of holding the election within 90days, he said, "Holding a farcical and disorderly election within 90 days is not logical."

Crime, corruption, politicisation and sheltering militants are still going on and the people rejected the way this country is being run, Dr Kamal said adding, the public opinion was also formed in favour of a change through a fair election.

"A neutral referee is needed for a game. ...a neutral caretaker government (system) was introduced in the constitution, but the people do not see it (neutrality of the caretaker government)," he observed.

While commenting on if the upcoming election would be one-sided, he said, "Election cannot be held this way. Can one team keep on scoring goals when its opponent remains absent?"

The advisers (who resigned from this caretaker government) had made efforts to bring acceptability in the Election Commission (EC) by reconstituting it. But the president spoiled those efforts and compelled them (the advisers) to resign, said Dr Kamal.

Dr Kamal insisted, "We definitely want election. But a truly neutral person will have to take the responsibility, ensure neutrality in the administration and unbiased operation of the police."

Replying to a question whether they would resist the January 22 election, the Gonoforum chief said, "People will decide this."

Asked whether he would seek bail since he was charge-sheeted in a sedition case filed for vandalism at the Supreme Court, Dr Kamal refused to make any comment. ""If anyone has done anything without any ground, I'll have to discuss it (with people concerned) to decide what to do in this regard."