"Not only information, we need your responsible cooperation. Please let us know what more reforms we need for establishing a sustainable democracy and good governance," he said while speaking as chief guest at the inaugural session of a workshop titled 'Role of media in achieving the Millennium Development Goals' (MDGs).

The workshop was organised by People's Forum on MDGs, Bangladesh in cooperation with DemocracyWatch and Campaign for Popular Education (Campe) at Biam auditorium in the capital.

The adviser said it was the failure of the successive governments that needed to introduce the caretaker government system.

"Therefore it is not enough to think just about the politicians, but also the whole system," he added.

"An earthquake has occurred in the political arena of the country and we need your cooperation to reconstruct the nation," he asked the journalists saying that only an honest, accountable and responsible government can truly address the issues of MDGs.

The adviser said this government in a sense is alone though it has support from people and media.

"We see you as our associate force...our parliament. If this government fails, the responsibility will also go onto you," he said, adding, "We may make mistakes, but please correct those."

He said the government is passing through a sensitive and tough time, and urged the journalists to play a responsible role and question the political parties that contributed to present situation.

Barrister Hosein said the caretaker government would be successful only if an accountable and responsible government could be formed through a fair and credible election, but this requires reforms in the partisan politics, which has made "our task very difficult."

"One caretaker government has already been paralysed, and we cannot make another one face the same fate," he said asking the journalists to make recommendations on what kind of election and government they want.

The government's efforts to rid the country of corruption and establish good governance should be correctly evaluated for the eventual progress, the adviser said, adding that it will not be wise to expect too much from this government.

Barrister Hosein said it is a positive sign that the political parties are now talking of reforms within the parties.

"This is our success, as we began talking about such reforms," he added.

The adviser said he thinks the media has never been so free as it is now.

The honest people who could not speak aloud the truth for so many years, now have the courage to speak, he noted.

On the sideline of the workshop he told the journalists that the government is thinking to withdraw the restrictions on indoor politics.

Journalist Ataus Samad, who chaired the session, said the government should be aware of its deadline.

"It should clearly inform us about all the reforms it is undertaking," he added.

Journalist Mahfuzullah said the present government that gained full public confidence in the beginning has now lost it to some extent.

All the achievements will be futile if the government fails to regain it, he observed.

Former adviser to caretaker government Mahbubul Alam said rural people should have access to micro-finance and be empowered for achieving the MDGs.

Jai Jai Din Editor Shafiq Rehman put education at the topmost priority to uproot corruption and develop the society.

State-run news agency BSS Chief Editor Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury, News Today Editor Reazuddin Ahmed, Campe Director Rasheda K Chowdhury and DemocracyWatch Executive Director Taleya Rehman also spoke.