It also demanded decentralisation of power to grassroots level, an end to MPs' interference in local affairs, allocation of 25 percent of the national budget to local government institutions and formation of an independent financial commission.

The forum, a platform of UP chairmen, placed the demands at a meeting with senior AL leaders at the party's Dhanmondi office in the city. Some 30 chairmen attended the meeting, with AL General Secretary Abdul Jalil MP in the chair.

Jalil told the UP chairmen that if the AL-led 14-party is voted to power in the next general election, it would meet their demands in order to strengthen democracy at the grassroots level.

He said that AL President Sheikh Hasina has already pledged to put an end to the MPs' interference in local affairs and give autonomy to UPs.

Jalil, also coordinator of the 14-party opposition combine, said development at local level is being hampered due to the interference by the ministers in charge of different districts. These ministers distribute the development projects among the party men who plunder the project funds, he alleged.

Jalil said the people want to get rid of such situation and establish their rights through a free, fair and impartial election.

He also demanded resignation of the chief election commissioner (CEC) and two other election commissioners, saying that this election commission has lost its credibility and that no revised voter list could be drafted under them.

Jalil urged the UP chairmen to mobilise people's opinion in favour of electoral reforms in order to ensure a free and fair election.

UP Forum President Golam Sarwar, Secretary General Mustaqur Rahman, Abul Hossain Khan, Lakshmi Sarkar Lipi, Egadur Rahman Milon and Mujibur Rahman Khan also spoke.

AL leaders Syeda Zohara Tajuddin, Motia Chowdhury, Dr Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir, Obaidul Quader, Aktheruzzaman and Abdur Rahman were also present.