Dhaka, Feb. 25 -- Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has called on all parties to stop the "fighting, bickering and mud-slinging" as he outlined his hope for elections by December.

He warned that political hostilities would "endanger" the country's independence and sovereignty, and said: "I am telling you this today, otherwise you'll say I didn't warn you."

Speaking at an event at Raowa Club in Mohakhali on Tuesday to commemorate the officers martyred in the Pilkhana massacre, Waker stressed the need for a "fair and inclusive" election.

"Before the election, the government must ensure any necessary reforms are made. We, the joint forces, have discussed this with [Chief Advisor Muhammad] Yunus."

The army chief added that the head of the...