It would take longer to hold the elections if political parties want voter ID cards but it could be held much sooner if only an update of the 2000 voter list is required, they told reporters.

Both the advisers -- MA Matin and Mainul Hosein -- cited updating of voter list, reconstitution of the Election Commission (EC), national ID cards, transparent ballot box, reform and depoliticisation of the administration as priorities for the CG.

They said there is no longer a time limit for holding elections as the constitutional 90-day timeframe is not applicable now. So, it does not matter whether it would take three or six months to hold polls if necessary and reforms demanded are implemented.

But the two advisers did not see any need to prolong the state of emergency, and said they will work for polls without the influence of 'black money' and separation of the judiciary during their tenure.

"We will discuss with political parties their reform demands regarding the election. If they ask for national ID cards, it would take a long time. But, if they want only the 2000 voter list to be updated, an election could take place much sooner," said Matin, adviser for communications, shipping, civil aviation and tourism, and liberation war affairs.

"There are several major demands including introduction of voter identity cards, reconstitution of the Election Commission, preparation of voter list and depoliticisation of the administration.”

He went on, "It is not a matter of two or six months. Reform of the election process will take a long time. We need support of the people and political parties to implement those.

"The national crisis is there. It is largely a political crisis and we (advisers) have discussed how to resolve it."

The adviser stressed, "We will have to attain our goals and objectives of priority reforms to make the elections acceptable at home and abroad."

Asked about the state of emergency, he said, "There is no need to prolong the emergency." He emphasised the need to protect fundamental rights.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Mainul Hosein told reporters at his office, "The constitution has already been violated in terms of the president taking oath as the chief adviser and the inability to hold elections within 90 days. What is done is done. So, we have to protect the constitution as much as we can and move towards holding an acceptable election."

Asked when they expect the polls to be held, Mainul said they could hold elections even within two months if they want, but the CG's main concern is to ensure legitimacy of the election by making it free, fair, neutral and credible.

"We want to hold an election free from the influence of black money. If dishonest people are elected representatives of the people, their wishes will not be fulfilled. So, we have discussed this among us (advisers) and we have also discussed the issue with the Election Commission," Mainul added.

On the Supreme Court directive for separation of the judiciary, he said, "We are thinking about it. I would be glad, very glad, if I could do this during our tenure."

Regarding press freedom during the state of emergency, the adviser said, "Emergency is not against press freedom. Certain changes will take place in the ordinance within a short time."

Blaming politicians for creating a situation followed by a state of emergency, he said the press and the people should not pay for politicians' mistakes.