Acting President, Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed, Wednesday urged the Jatiya Sangsad to take constitutional measures at the outset of the coming budget session to pave the way for his exit from the present position, reports BSS.

In a nationwide address over television and radio, the Acting President also called for an Immediate settlement of the issue of the form of government which, he said, had "created a lot of speculations".

Justice Shahabuddin said

the consensus of all political parties was the basis of his being the Acting President. He said such a basis no longer existed and therefore he would prefer to quit his present position before any controversy generates.

In this pontext. Justice Shahabuddin said a state minister had stated in the last session of Parliament that the Acting President could vacate his position at his will by transferring power to the Speaker.

This he said, meant that he had clung to power willfully adding such a statement could not be construed as the view of an individual since the party concerned did not refute it.

Justice Shahabuddin said a question was being raised as to "who is ruling the country — the Prime Minister or the Acting President." Some say the ghost of diarchy has descended on the nation. "This has thrown me in a very embarrassing situation," he said.

The Acting President called upon the Jatiya Sangsad to settle the controversy and appealed to the nation to nourish the democratic process set in motion.

In his 11-mlnute speech, Justice Shahabuddin touched upon the political scenario of the last three months and reiterated his eagerness to relinquish his present position. "I came to this post as a nonpartisan person”, he asserted.

The Acting President reminded the .nation that the three political alliances, in a joint declaration, had urged him to take over as the Acting President. "I kept their request on condition that I would return to my original position after holding parliamentary elections at the earliest".

He said the alliance leadership particularly the two lady leaders, had made a cpmmit-ment to me on December 5 that they would settle the constitutional question, if there Is any. regarding his return to the original position.

He said the commitment of the two leaders was as good as a national commitment, and that its value was no less than the Constitution, adding, and the Constitution is the man! fest will of the people, he added.

The Acting President recalled In his address at the first session of Parliament of April 5 he had pointed out that under the Constitution he could not tender his resignation to anybody and that his tenure would be complete when an elected President had assumed the office.

But if because of any abnormal situation like absence, illness or any other reason he became incapable of performing his responsibility only then the Speaker could automatically step In to assume presi-

Justlce Shahabuddin said in view of this he had urged the Parliament to add a transitional and temporary provision in the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution In accordance with Article 150.

He said the Introduction of such a provision could have cleared the way for him to relinquish power and return to his original post without any , controversy.

The Acting President regretted that the first session -of Parliament had concluded without making any such constitutional provision despite

being in session for 41 days

The Acting President said he was a firm believer in democracy and wanted the country to be governed in accordance with democratic dispensation. He said the cabinet would have become inactive had he exercised all the pow ers of the President as envis aged in the Constitution. Such a situation, he observed would nullity the long struggle for a democratic system.

Justice Shahabuddin said he had given enough power and responsibility to the newly formed cabinet under the Constitution. He said the Prime Minister was given the responsibility to preside over some cabinet meetings as well. This was aimed at strengthen ing the democratic system which "has enhanced the prestige of the country In the eyes of the world. "

The Acting President also referred ,to the other steps that he had taken to strengthen the democratic system.

The steps include the Constitution of a high-powered Relief Committee headed by the Prime Minister following the recent cyclone and tidal surge, placement of the President's Relief Godown and the Relief Coordination Information and Control Cell under the disposal of that committee, and also the decision to make an international appeal in the name of the Prime Minister for emergency relief.

Justice Shahabuddin

Ahmed said he sincerely wished the Parliament, elected through a free, fair and impartial election, could complete Its term of five years. He re called that none of the last four parliaments could complete its full term.

He said it was also his desire to see the government formed with members of the majority party was Stable

The Acting President said the misery of the nation was on the increase in the absence of political stability which had also hindering economic development.

He said those who had faith In democracy would obviously want political stability, but sharp differences of opinion among the political parties could obstruct sueh stability.

The Acting President said conflicting opinions were pre vailing as to the form of government. He made it clear that he as the non-partisan Acting President did not want to get himself involved In the debate.

Justice Shahabuddin said he had noticed that the cabinet during its two-and-a-half months had taken certain decision from the party point of

"But my interference and application of power in accordance with the Constitution might evoke criticism as a negation of democratic principles' he said adding "I consider it appropriate to vacate (position) under the circumstances."