"Already political parties spontaneously came up with reforms... there is no difference of opinion on the lifting of the ban. It will be withdrawn at an appropriate time in near future ...," he said in an interview with Voice of America (VOA) Bangla Service chief Iqbal Bahar Chowdhury.

The CA reiterated that the stalled parliamentary elections will be held before the end of 2008 on completion of all necessary reforms by the Election Commission.

Asked about the completion of electoral rolls with photos within the election timeframe, he said it took some time to find out an acceptable personality for the office of the chief election commissioner and two other election commissioners.

He said the government has agreed in principle to make the Election Commission Secretariat independent.

The Election Commission, he said, has already made some reform proposals to update election rules and regulations and the codes of conduct and held meetings with representatives of the civil society and professional groups.

Besides, the CA said the Election Commission began a model project on preparation of voter list with photos in Sreepur, which is nearing completion amid enthusiasm of the people. The EC, he said, will soon start preparing voter list in Rajshahi City Corporation.

"I presume, the Election Commission has made substantial progress in preparing a flawless electoral roll and I believe, the momentum of its work will increase in the coming days for holding of a free, fair and acceptable election before the end of 2008," he said.

Asked about the political parties' demand for withdrawal of ban on indoor politics to hold party councils to finalise their reforms, the CA said it is the internal matter of political parties. He, however, said reform works are continuing.

Asked if it will be possible to complete the corruption cases against politicians before the elections, he said the tribunals are trying the cases in a transparent manner under the laws of the land. Already verdicts in some cases were given while some cases are under trial.

The head of the caretaker government said it took a little time to prepare rules and regulations, organogram and mobilisze manpower for the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which were absent in the past.

The ACC is now more powerful and an effective body, he said and hoped that it would be functioning more expeditiously in future.