"This should end the political standoff," Iajuddin said in an address to the nation over radio and television network.

The president said he has decided to appoint two more election commissioners under article 118(1) of the constitution.

"I believe the initiative taken by the government to resolve the political unrest has been successful," he said, adding that there is no alternative for the political parties and the people but to move forward with the election.

"I believe the people of the country will evaluate that an atmosphere has been created for a fair election through reforming the Election Commission," he added.

The president appealed to all political parties and the people to contact the Election Commission if they have any complaint or advice regarding election as per rules.

"I hope all concerned will start electioneering without delay," Iajuddin said, adding, "We will have to keep the national interest above all else. We will have to be alert in carrying out the national responsibility so that personal and party interests cannot outweigh the country's interest."

The president urged the government officials to play their respective part. "I firmly hope the people of the country and all concerned will extend their sincere cooperation in holding the election freely and fairly within the scheduled time and handing over power to an elected government."

He said concerted and tireless efforts of those involved in the election process will ensure holding of a fair and acceptable election.

"Maintenance of law and order is a precondition to holding free and fair elections," Iajuddin said. He ordered the officials concerned to maintain law and order and carry out their responsibilities neutrally by rising above "fear and intimidation".

Iajuddin said the law enforcement agencies should take utmost care that innocent people are not subjected to harassment.

The president said the country has suffered an irreparable economic loss besides misery of the people during the last few days for some activities in the name of realising various demands. It has cast an adverse impact on the investment climate.

"We have been identified to the international community in a different way following the untold misery and worry caused to the people," he said in an oblique reference to the blockade programme of the Awami League-led 14-party alliance.

He hoped that all political parties and quarters will play a responsible role taking in account future of the country.

Iajuddin said the interim government could not concentrate on its routine work because of the political standoff persisting for the last few days. As a result, "a few dishonest people and quarters tried to aggravate the miseries by raising the price of essentials".

He informed the nation that he has instructed his advisers to concentrate more on their respective ministries and bring back discipline in public life and ensure the existence of an elected government.

The president in his emotion-charged speech said, "We have established democracy by overcoming all odds and obstacles. It is the responsibility of all of us to uphold the national independence and democratic process."

He said it is the responsibility of the government to ensure peace in public life and accelerate the economic activities.

"To perform this onerous responsibility we will have to do whatever necessary in accordance with the constitution for ensuring the welfare of the country and the people."

Iajuddin sought all-out cooperation from the people in discharge of the responsibility of the caretaker government. "I hope all the citizens and political parties will extend their sincere cooperation in discharging the responsibility. Insha Allah, we will be able to present a nice and acceptable election to the nation with combined efforts of all those involved in the election process.

"We must be vigilant so that no individual or party can create obstruction to discharging our responsibility.

"We have no alternative but to hold the election to parliament to maintain democratic dispensation and uphold the constitution," Iajuddin said.

The president hoped that the Election Commission will take all measures under the constitution for holding the election within the stipulated time.

He gave details of various administrative measures the caretaker government have taken since taking office on October 29 towards holding free and fair polls. So far, 30 secretaries and acting secretaries, 20 additional secretaries, 53 joint secretaries and 52 deputy secretaries have been given transfers and postings. Besides, all divisional commissioners, 57 deputy commissioners and 255 upazila nirbahi officers have either been withdrawn, transferred or posted to new stations.

Inspectors general of police (IGP), deputy inspector generals (DIG), superintendents of police (SP), officers-in-charge (OC) and others engaged in law enforcement activities have also been transferred or given fresh postings. Moreover, necessary instructions have been issued for the national mass media to disseminate news and programmes neutrally, the president said.