Mr Shahabuddin Ahmed, an illustrious head of a nation's Judiciary by any standard, ended, his tenure at the Supreme Court on Tuesday in a most predictably becoming manner. This high-achieving Jurist set. during his long career, a norm for himself and for all in the profession to follow. There was no departing from that as long as he was in harness — and his bowing out was a glowing testament to that.

This we say for he was not Just another Chief Justice. Revolutionary developments in Bangladesh's political situation at the beginning of the nineties thrust upon him the task of building a way out of a near anarchic condition. A condition arising out of a long and unmitigated denial of rights to the people and the multitude thirsting for their due snare in the shaping of their own destiny. Chief Justice Shahabuddin. on agreeing to lead the interregnum as the universally accepted President, accomplished first the near impossible task of reining in the mad-horse of a-people suddenly untethered. Even better than containing the big bang of December '90. he indeed built a sure foundation for democracy to rise.

Ever since the emergence of Bangladesh the cause and practice of democracy were being dangerously undermined by one big criminal act: manipulation of elections by powers that be to a degree that rather than furthering power-sharing by people, pushed them out into a helpless state autocratic dispensation. President Shahabuddin hit the nail exactly on the head and at the right hour. But for his conduct of the state' and his handling of the aftermath, the improbable election results would have led to a burst of conflicts and social turmoil beyond easy control.

How did Mr Ahmed do that ? By a rarely matched example of moral probity pinioned on spotless' fairness and solid selflessness. Above all his dignity—the dignity be brought to his task, daunted all attempts to and even thoughts of compromising his mission.

The^bove is known universally in Bangladesh. We repeat it to express our admiration of him and tender our gratitude to one who was so unflappable and unyielding in one situation and completely self-effacing in another — all supremely to the good of the nation.