Dhaka, Nov. 16 -- Political parties have called on the Election Commission to take a "strong and neutral stance" to ensure a credible national election, urging it not to "bow to any pressure".

The EC, in turn, sought cooperation from all sides, reiterating its commitment to fully enforce the law.

On Sunday, six parties -- Gono Forum, Gono Front, Islamic Front Bangladesh, Islami Oikya Jote, Bangladesh Supreme Party and Bangladesh Jatiya Party -- joined the second day of dialogue at the EC building in Agargaon.

The EC has held talks with 24 of the over 50 registered political parties.

Gono Forum acting president Subrata Chowdhury said past commissions had failed to maintain neutrality despite being competent.

"There were invisible forc...