Similarly, the magistracy power should not be given to the armed forces during the period, they added.

The roundtable on 'Caretaker government reforms' was organised by Bangladesh Foundation for Development Research (BFDR) in collaboration with the Weekly Mridubhashan at the Cirdap auditorium in the city to mark the birth anniversary of slain former finance minister Shah AMS Kibria.

Faruk Chowdhury, former foreign secretary, said the defence portfolio should be vested in the chief advisor.

He said reforms of the caretaker government and Election Commission have to be introduced in order to make the election more credible.

"As Justice KM Hasan was associated with BNP's politics, he should be embarrassed before taking over the charge of the next caretaker government," said the former diplomat.

Mujibul Haq, former cabinet secretary, said caretaker government reform has become an issue as the activities of the last caretaker government gave birth to some questions regarding the system.

"The army should not be given the magistracy power as they are not the best instrument to establish rule of law," he said.

About politicisation of administration, the former cabinet secretary said, "This is an ominous sign for the country."

Former finance minister AMA Muhit said the existing electoral process has to be changed with a view to hold an acceptable election.

He said the constitutional amendment on the introduction of the caretaker government system gave some executive powers to the president which should be curtailed.

Muhit viewed that reforms in the caretaker government system are a must to hold a free and fair election.

Awami League Presidium Member Tofail Ahmed alleged that the last caretaker government overstepped their responsibilities and worked for a particular political party.

He said reforms in the caretaker government system are essential to protect the rights of the voters.

Barrister Amir Ul Islam said politicisation of the administration would be a main obstacle to hold the next general election in a free and fair manner.

Presided over by BFDR Chairman Prof Kabir Chowdhury, the roundtable was also addressed by former finance minister Syeduzzaman, Kibria's wife Asma Kibria, President of Dhaka University Teachers' Association Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique, former secretary Dr Moshiur Rahman and former vice-chancellor of Dhaka University Prof AK Azad Chowdhury.