"The president assured us that non-party people, who are acceptable to all, will be appointed to the EC once the present crisis centring the CEC ends," Akbar told reporters yesterday afternoon at his office.

"As per the constitution, this is absolutely the president's jurisdiction as to whom he will appoint as election commissioners," the adviser further noted.

"We want an end to the crisis and it doesn't matter whether the CEC is resigning or taking a long leave," he added.

Asked about possible date for announcing election schedule, Akbar Ali Khan said that it is the job of the EC. "We have no way but to complete the election by 90 days of the caretaker government," he added.

Earlier, nine advisers gathered at an informal meeting at law adviser's office in the secretariat. After the meeting, Power and Energy Adviser Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury went to the Bangabhaban to meet the president, also the CA.

Most advisers, however, remained tight-lipped about their discussions.

"We have gathered to discuss about the possible next steps of the government after getting the CEC's decision," Adviser Sultana Kamal told the reporters emerging from the meeting. "Our main job is to ensure a fair election and we are discussing our jobs differently in every changing atmosphere," she added.