They said the armed forces can play a vital role in safeguarding democracy and tackling any national disasters.

They also pointed out that the declaration of state of emergency was needed to tackle the social disaster the nation was facing before January 11.

Some speakers, however, suggested that the army should act as a pressure group and play its role for the national interest.

They also warned that prolongation of the present situation would prompt the political parties to unitedly launch a movement against the caretaker government.

Bangladesh Institute of Law and International Affairs (Bilia) organised the discussion on 'Democracy and the role of army in consolidating democratic system' at Cirdap auditorium in the city.

Former military officials, former ambassadors, university teachers and civil society members attended the discussion moderated by Bilia Director Ambassador Wali-ur Rahman. Three former army chiefs -- Maj Gen (retd) KM Shafiullah, Lt Gen (retd) Harunur Rashid and Lt Gen (retd) Mahbubur Rahman -- were also present.

The speakers called for forming an independent national security council to safeguard the internal and external security.

Underscoring the need for a national defence policy, Maj Gen (retd) KM Shafiullah said an initiative was taken to organise a broad-based discussion for formation of a national security council. Such a national council is necessary to protect the national interest, he added.

"I think the armed forces should play a dominant role in safeguarding democracy," said Lt Gen (retd) Mahbubur Rahman. He, however, observed that democracy should be restored as soon as possible.

The army has no role in ruling the country, but definitely it has a role in consolidating democracy, said Lt Gen (retd) Harunur Rashid.

He said the army can also play a vital role in implementing the election code of conduct. Candidates who would violate election rules should be handed over to law enforcement agencies, he added.

The former army chief also demanded an election free from the influence of money.

Supporting the role of army in consolidating democracy, Brig Gen (retd) Shahedul Anam Khan said general conception about the armed forces has changed a lot recently.

Earlier, it was not possible to discuss the army's role in democracy, he said, but the people have supported the army for its role in the recent developments in the country.

He also suggested using the armed forces and their expertise in consolidating democracy.

Ambassador Harunur Rashid opposed the army's formal role in democracy. The army can come forward only as a temporary measure in response to popular demand, he said.

Prof Kalimullah said the army can play a catalytic role in consolidating democracy and holding a credible election.

Prof Imtiaz Ahmed of Dhaka University said parliament remained inoperative for most of the time during the tenure of the previous elected government.

He suggested that the speaker of parliament should come from the opposition party in order to make parliament vibrant.

Former army officer AMSA Amin said there is no role for the army to play in the administration if democracy prevails. But if democracy does not exist, the army can play its role, he added.

The army stepped in because all the democratic institutions have been destroyed over the years, he observed.

He also pointed out that the democratic values do not exist among 80 percent of people who live in villages; they exist only in the urban society.