"We are determined to hold a free and fair election to parliament rising above party and opinions," he said in his address to the nation over radio and television last night.

The president noted that the people of this country are passing through an uncertain situation because of political unrest and violence across the country for the last few days that caused immense damage to socioeconomic condition.

"Everyday damage is being done to life and property. This situation cannot be allowed to continue. People want an end to this situation forthwith. It is our prime duty to fulfill the nation's expectation," the president said.

He noted that, given the ground situation, there was no alternative for him but to assume the responsibility of the caretaker government.

The president sought cooperation from all citizens, irrespective of party affiliation, in performing his new responsibility.

Referring to the disputes over the appointment of chief adviser to the non-party caretaker government, he said former chief justice KM Hasan expressed his unwillingness to take over in the face of opposition by some political parties and their agitation programme.

After expressing inability by Justice Hasan, he said, there is a constitutional provision to take over the charge by the next immediate-retired justice. But the second immediate retired chief justice already died.

As per constitution, Justice MA Aziz being the last-retired justice of the Appellate Division should have taken the charge. But Aziz being chief election commissioner cannot take the office of the chief adviser.

The next-retied Appellate Division judge, Hamidul Huq, expressed his inability to take the responsibility without consensus of the main political parties.

In view of this situation, the president said, he discussed the matter with the BNP secretary general and the Awami League general secretary.

The following day, he discussed with the delegations of four main political parties with a view to appointing an acceptable and eminent citizen of the country as chief adviser.

The president said he had hoped that the major political parties would reach a consensus on a particular eminent person for the job, "but, unfortunately, they could not agree".

As such, there was no alternative but to take additional responsibility of the caretaker chief under article 58(c) (6) of the constitution.

The president reminded that the democracy has been established at the cost of patriotic people of this country after overcoming all odds and obstacles.

"Our sacred duty is to uphold our independence and democratic dispensation," said the president, adding: "It is the responsibility of the government to establish peace in social life and remove hindrances to economic activities."