"We've already taken various steps to hold a free and fair election in the country. I expect cooperation of the political parties and all concerned in holding the election as per constitution," he said.

The president was addressing a reception at Senakunja at Dhaka Cantonment arranged on the occasion of the Armed Forces Day in the evening.

Advisers to the caretaker government, political leaders, including former prime ministers Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina, diplomats and senior civil and military officials were present at the function.

Describing the members of the armed forces as the sentinel of the country's independence and sovereignty, the president said the nation feels proud of the armed forces, as they have attained confidence and love of the people through their various development and state-related works.

He also hailed the members of the armed forces for their outstanding role in facing national crises apart from performing their professional duties.

The president/chief adviser also mentioned the role of the armed forces in UN peacekeeping missions and said they have upheld the image of Bangladesh abroad playing an active role in establishing international peace.

He said the government has taken up a massive programme to make the armed forces more capable of facing the challenges of the 21st century.

"We must attain the expected quality through implementation of the programme. Inshallah, we'll work together and tirelessly to achieve that goal," the president said.