Dhaka, Sept. 1 -- Chief Adviser of the interim government on Sunday reassured Bangladesh's political parties that the next election would be held in a free, fair and festive manner as per preannounced timeline.

"There is no alternative to election-it would be very dangerous for the nation if anyone thinks of an alternative to an election," the head of post-uprising government was quoted as saying to dispel doubts stemming from latest happenings.

He gave the assurance in separate meetings with leaders of BNP, Jamaat and NCP at the state guesthouse Jamuna, in the wake of incidents of unrest across the country.

These meetings were held in a "very cordial atmosphere", press secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters while briefing the press ab...