They also suggested non-politicised appointment of competent persons to key posts of constitutional bodies and other public institutions, and a thorough cleansing to depoliticise those for sustaining democracy.

Keeping off interfering in local administrations and development works, the lawmakers will have to concentrate on their duty of making laws which they are voted for, the advisers said as they put their heads together at a roundtable titled 'Imperatives of Present Caretaker Government'.

Editor of the Prothom Alo Matiur Rahman moderated the discussion organised by the newspaper at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel.

IMPERATIVES & TIMEFRAME
Noting that the CGs do not have limitations like political governments, Prof Zillur Rahman Siddqui, an adviser of the 1991 CG, said, "We hope the (present) CG would soon announce a 'roadmap' for what it wants to do and how much time it would take."

Akbar Ali Khan, former adviser of Iajuddin Ahmed's CG, said "Since people don't want to see again a farcical election like the one scheduled (already cancelled) for January 22, necessary tasks need to be completed first. But the caretaker government should first see how much time it has and what it can do within this period."

He suggested the CG to hand over power to an elected government before June so that the new government prepares the budget for next fiscal year.

The previous elected government did not take steps necessary for fuel, power and financial sectors, he said. "If the caretaker government prepares the budget, it will have to take some steps which the previous elected government did not take. And this may create controversy about it."

The former adviser went on, "Without deciding itself how long it would stay in power, the caretaker government should work in line with the Supreme Court instructions in this regard. Let the timeframe be fixed by the legal system."

Echoing his views about power handover before budget preparation, Hafizuddin Khan, adviser of the 2001 CG, asked the present CG to speed up its activities.

But Syed Manzur Elahi, adviser of the 1996 and 2001 CGs, said he is ready to see this CG in power for even two years to complete its fundamental tasks. "Without fundamental reforms in political practices, what is the use of an election if the corrupt and black-money holders are elected again?"

He said, "Cost of business went up by 3 to 7 percent due to extortion and corruption...We had to pay the local MPs toll every month. How would people do business?"

Manzur asked the CG to arrest two most corrupt politicians without naming them, and said many businessmen and public servants show zero tolerance to corruption. "Arrest of petty criminals would not do."

Akbar Ali said after the CG reconstitutes the Election Commission (EC), the new EC should take all necessary decisions regarding voter roll updating, preparation of voter ID card and transparent ballot box.

INSTITUTIONALISING DEMOCRACY & FREE AND FAIR ELECTION
Observing that democratic values have been spoilt over the years -- voice of opposition parties was not heard, constitutional bodies and public administration were not allowed to function freely--, Akbar Ali said there is no difference between democracy with narrow outlook and autocracy.

"Since the present caretaker government has public support, it can enforce some rules for the practice of democracy," said Wahiduddin Mahmud, adviser of the 1996 CG.

And Rokia Afzal Rahman, adviser of the 2001 CG, described the present situation as a window of opportunity for fixing such rules.

Wahiduddin said, " The future of democracy depends not only on a free, fair and acceptable election free from black money but also on the quality of the lawmakers."

He proposed implementation of a long-term strategy for establishment of 'democratic good governance', and noted that a national consensus is necessary for it.

Prof Zillur Rahman asked for caution so that the next government cannot nullify such steps after coming to power.

Maj Gen (retd) Moinul Hossain Chowdhury, adviser of the 2001 CG, said a vital issue like politics cannot be the subject of politicians only. The people need to be involved in it.

To strengthen democracy, Prothom Alo Joint Editor Abdul Qaiyum suggested that the CG in consultation with the Supreme Court can take initiative to introduce provisions for selecting the deputy speaker from the opposition and resignation of the speaker and deputy speaker from their parties after their selection.

The Representation of People's Order (RPO) and other election rules must be implemented fully, which will also ensure transparency in democratic practices, noted the former advisers.

Amendment to the RPO and its full application with that of other election rules will contribute a lot to institutionalising democracy, they felt.

As the advisers asked the CG to make rules for registration of political parties, Akbar Ali said, "The parties which will seek symbols for contesting elections must get registered."

If one is allowed to contest elections if he is not a member of a political party for at least for three years, many black money holders will disqualify for polls race, he added.

Use of black money and other corrupt practices during elections can be checked a lot if the Anti-Corruption Commission, National Board of Revenue, police, intelligence agencies and Bangladesh Bank that investigate suspicious transactions assist the EC, the advisers said.

Sultana Kamal, adviser of Iajuddin's CG, suggested poll campaign through the media, especially television, to prevent use of back money for this. "Without spreading ill about rivals, let the political parties come up with specific manifestos,"she said.

She suggested strengthening the local governments and stressed the role of citizens forums for institutionalising democracy.

"If the MPs concentrate on their duties in parliament and do not interfere in local development works, corruption will reduce a lot," said Monzur Elahi.

On the role of the media, Wahiduddin Mahmud said the CG can get a reflection of people's acceptance of its activities if the media is allowed to work freely.

INDEPNDENT CONSTITUTIONAL BODIES & PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS
The constitutional bodies and public institutions have been destroyed by bringing in most incompetent people over the years, observed Zillur Rahman, Sultana Kamal and Monzur Elahi.

The EC, ACC, Accountant General's office and Public Service Commission need strong leadership that will function properly despite the influence of political parties, the former advisers said. They stressed a transparent system to ensure appointment of competent persons.

They proposed formation of a body that would assist the CG in selecting such persons.

"Depoliticising the administration is easy if the top officials are sincere," Akbar Ali noted.