The 'Constitutionally non-transparent' and 'questionable' step of President Iajuddin Ahmed's assuming office of the chief of the caretaker government has created doubt in public mind about the caretaker government chief's being non-partisan and neutral, they said in a press release.

They demanded formation of a completely independent and impartial election commission through removing the chief election commissioner and three other commissioners, formulation of an up-to-date voter list free from fake ones, making the administration neutral and unbiased and taking steps to free the law enforcement agencies from political influence.

These steps can encourage the major political parties and alliances to take part in the election, the release said.

The caretaker government must ensure an atmosphere for a free and fair election, the eminent citizens said, adding that an atmosphere has to be created so that all voters are inspired to go to the polling centre and cast vote safely and freely.

In case of serious need, help of the army can be taken to maintain law and order but that must be done under the civil administration, they observed.

They emphasised people's staying watchful to preserve the fundamental rights and rights to vote and called upon the citizens and social forces to be united and active for the purpose.

The signatories to the statement include Dr Anisuzzaman, Ajay Roy, Mujibul Haque, M Syeduzzaman, Dr Mujaffer Ahmed, Laila Kabir, Kamal Lohani, Dr Hamida Hossain, Dr Ajoy Roy, Dr AMM Shawkat Ali, Dr Hayat Mamud, Hashem Khan, Ayesha Khanam and Tobarak Hossain.