They neither breached their oath nor are hatching any conspiracy, said the advisers, adding that the latest formula placed by noble laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus will be acceptable only if the political parties agree.

"We are not breaking the oath that we took one month ago. I have no comments on the political leaders' speeches," Finance and Planning Adviser M Akbar Ali Khan said replying to a question about Khaleda Zia's remarks on the advisers' activities, especially talking to the press.

Freedom of speech is a citizen's right as per the constitution of the country and the advisers will continue their work following the constitution and law, he said.

Asked about the formula placed by Prof Yunus, he said the formula is a good one but without acceptance by the political parties it will be a mere 'paper speech'.

Akbar, who earlier said that he was 'cautiously optimistic', yesterday said his cautiousness is increasing day by day while the optimism decreasing due to the political impasse.

The advisers' main responsibility is to arrange a free and fair election, Energy Adviser Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury said, adding, "I do not think it will hamper the main responsibility if the advisers talk with the journalists, political leaders or foreign guests."

"We will never show any partisanship to any political party. We are looking for holding a free and fair general election for the betterment of the country," Mashhud said. The advisers are conveying the message to all through the media, he added.

He said Prof Yunus' proposal is a good one but the political parties who are to implement the proposal have not welcomed it.

The proposal can be discussed only if the political parties agree in principle to accept it, Mashhud said.

The advisers are working and talking for holding the general election free and fair, Housing and Public Works Adviser Dhiraj Kumar Nath said.

They do not deliver any political speech and no incident has happened that can be called 'breach of the oath'.

A solution can emerge if the political parties reach a consensus about Prof Yunus' proposal.

Agriculture Adviser CM Shafi Sami said they are only trying to create a congenial atmosphere so that a free and fair general lection can be held.

Referring to Khaleda Zia's comment, he said the advisers are not hatching any conspiracy or trying to obstruct elections.