They also called for forestalling the intervention of external forces, saying that the internal problems should be resolved by the leadership within the country.

The Centre for Policy Studies (CPS) organised the discussion on 'Sovereignty, democracy and election' at Hotel Sonargaon in the city.

A good economy cannot be achieved unless the filthy rich who amassed huge wealth through plundering the state and foreign money are held in check, Prof Mahbub Ullah said, adding that the success of the caretaker government in doing so will be the beginning of a new economy.

He also called on the patriotic people to unite to resist the intervention of external forces.

Prof Mahbub Ullah said the issue of privatisation of the Chittagong Port is now being raised very strongly. "But who will take the responsibility for the security if it is handed over to foreign companies?" he asked.

Former inspector general of police (IGP) Ashraful Huda said 90 percent of people have given their support to this caretaker government and appreciated its various activities.

There is no hurry to hold the election right now because it is more important to prepare the ground for a free and fair election, he said, adding that the government should take more initiatives for political reforms. "Only arresting some political leaders is not enough."

CPS Chairman Justice Abdur Rouf said foreigners pay special attention to Bangladesh as it is a resourceful country. "Therefore, we must be aware of it and should not ask the external forces to help resolve our problems. Otherwise, our sovereignty will be threatened," he said.

He said 80 percent of the problems facing the nation would be resolved if discipline could be restored.

Bringing back discipline is possible through creating a national database of the people, he said, adding that such a database will help hold fair elections, curb crimes and resolve many problems.

Justice Abdur Rouf, also a former chief election commissioner, said data collection for the purpose of creating a database would not take much time if the authorities are sincere about it.

He also suggested introducing national ID cards for all.

Prof Umar Ali of Manarat International University, Barrister Abdur Razzak, Green University Vice-Chancellor Dr Yusuf Ali, Prof Habiba Khatun, Naya Diganta Editor Mohiuddin Alamgir, Islamic TV Managing Director Lt Col (retd) Mostafa Anwar, former additional secretary Abdul Kader Mia and journalist Ruhul Amin Gazi also spoke.