"I would like to remind everyone that the present form of government has become a presidential form of government after reposing the responsibility of caretaker government on the president," Iajuddin said at a meeting with secretaries to different ministries at the secretariat.

"Everything is being conducted as per the Rules of Business and Allocation of Business. I appointed officials at the president's office according to my choice and they are discharging their duties with sincerity," the president said, adding, "The highest constitutional institution has to be kept above all debates."

Iajuddin asked all top bureaucrats to extend cooperation to the Election Commission (EC) as per government instructions for holding a peaceful, free, fair and neutral election.

"You have to discharge your duties by maintaining absolute neutrality and objectivity and staying above all fears, apprehensions and influence," he told the secretaries in the first meeting at the secretariat after taking office as the chief adviser.

The secretaries demanded that the president cancel all contractual appointments and fill the posts with regular officers for holding the next election in a free and fair manner.

They placed a set of suggestions to which the president said decisions in connection with those will be taken after holding a meeting with the council of advisers to the caretaker government.

Referring to articles 21(2) and 126 of the constitution, the president reminded them that it is the responsibility of the republic's employees to serve the people while it is the responsibility of the executive authorities to assist the EC in discharging its duties.

Iajuddin said uncertainty has been created in the minds of people following a political tumble but the situation has been brought under control by establishing the rule of law. This trend will have to be maintained to gain public confidence by ensuring the rule of law, he added.

The president said it is indispensable for the administration to gain confidence of all political parties for ensuring free and fair elections. The civil and police administration will also have to work impartially to achieve this goal and they have to be careful so that no one faces political harassment.

Iajuddin asked the bureaucrats to make sure that the offices under different ministries and divisions and the field-level officials strictly abide by the government instructions.

He informed the meeting that he had already asked his advisers to concentrate on the functions of their ministries.

The president said since the role of media is very important for the election, the government-controlled media will have to play their part with utmost objectivity. "Any lapses might lead to dangerous consequences unacceptable to the nation," he said.

Cabinet Secretary Abu Solaiman Chowdhury told the meeting that a new list of deputy commissioners and other deserving officers excluded earlier will be prepared from next Friday.

He said the home secretary felt the interim government should revise the voter lists as electoral chaos usually takes place for faulty voter lists.

EC Secretary Abdur Rashid Sarkar told the meeting that the EC is prepared for holding the election and sought cooperation from all in completing the task.

The foreign secretary said all facilities should be provided to election observers so that the country's image could be enhanced and that a cell has been established for this purpose.

The finance secretary observed that the government has to increase revenue collection for spending more for eliminating poverty as 5.5 crore people in the country are still under the poverty line.

The jute and textiles secretary suggested increasing the retirement age of the government officials and cancelling all contractual postings.

The power secretary suggested taking measures to ensure uninterrupted power supply during the time of election.

The principal secretary to the chief adviser assured that all cooperation will be extended for holding a free and fair election.