He ruled out the possibility of floating a new party following recent speculations, but expressed his readiness to stand by people if they wanted him in a critical situation.

"I will not say it is a crucial juncture, but there is no doubt the situation is getting critical and complicated and moving towards a crisis," he told the UNB and three dailies at his Baridhara house.

Chowdhury, who had to stand down from presidency on June 20 last year, said after his resignation he said he would stand by people during a critical situation and offer his contribution as a senior citizen for country's welfare.

He said the government efforts to combat crime and corruption -- the two top election agendas clearly spelled out by him and the prime minister during conferences with diplomats, donors and journalists -- failed two years into the BNP-led coalition government rule.

"Today, newspaper reports suggest that the number one agenda (combating crime) has certainly not yet been fulfilled. There were some efforts, but they failed. The reason for the failure must be searched out," he said.

About corruption, he said, " … We've seen corruption in the past and still see it. The efforts to curb corruption have not been successful. And people are not hopeful of any good programmes of the government to curb corruption in the near future."

Chowdhury also said the price hike of essentials coupled with the famine-like situation in the north affected the poor and limited income groups, adding that people did not expect such a situation.

Asked if he would ask the government to resign for its failure, he said, "It's a highly political question … if I had failed to deliver, I would have resigned as a politically sensitive person."

Referring to the prime minister, he further said, "I will not ask her (to resign) because I don't know how much politically sensitive she is. Those who are in power should have assessed people's reaction and whether they have people's confidence as before."

He outright rejected the suggestion that he enjoys support from external forces, saying, "First of all, I am not in politics. Secondly, I don't believe in external power and thirdly, I believe the ultimate power lies with people next to Almighty Allah."

Replying to another question if he apprehends intervention by any extra-constitutional forces, he quipped: "What do you mean by extra-constitutional? Do you call the fall of Ershad in 1990 extra-constitutional? It was made constitutional as people are all powerful."

Asked if he foresees a mass upsurge, he said, " I did not say that."

During a nearly 45-minute interview, the former president also spelled out his ideas about the future structure of government and his future course of action.

He said he had a discussion with Gono Forum leader Dr Kamal Hossain and also had talks with former president Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed at a function to commemorate the late Barrister Ishtiaq Ahmed.

Although Chowdhury wouldn't name all the personalities he talked to, he acknowledged that a number of BNP leaders did contact him and inquired about the affairs of the state.

On speculations about emergence of a 'third force' headed by him, which would include people from both the BNP and Awami League, he said, "It's too early to tell."

"But if the country faces a critical situation, and if I feel that people want me, only then I will go. I will not betray with people. I'll be with them," he added.

He said he would host an iftar party for members of the civil society, including former judges, intellectuals and journalists, at Sheraton Hotel on November 22.

To another question, he denied any link between his present stance and cancellation of BTV programmes of his son Mahi B Chowdhury, a BNP lawmaker.

About a press statement by BNP's front organisations rebutting his remarks and hinting at his "mysterious role" when president Ziaur Rahman was killed, he said the statement was made at a junior level "at the dictate of others".

"I don't want to speak ill of those who were politically reared by me," he said and hoped that those who encouraged the statement would speak the truth in future and would not resort to any "falsehood" to mislead people.

Recalling the assassination of Zia in Chittagong, Chowdhury said he was in a different room with another minister. "I did not know about the incident beforehand," he said.

He however said it was interesting to note that some other ministers including Shah Aziz, who were supposed to go to Chittagong with Zia, did not turn up for one reason or the other.

Chowdhury said he had made statements about the matter several times, appeared before investigation committees and a martial law court. "I appeared before three investigation committees and also gave witness to a chief justice ... my position is absolutely clear."

He said president Zia made him party secretary general and deputy prime minister. He was also deputy leader of the House and of the opposition. He also served as education minister. Under the present government, he was made foreign minister and elected president by the 300-member parliament.

About the allegation of conspiracy brought against him by BNP's front organisations while he was president, Chowdhury posed a counter question as to why he should get involved in a conspiracy after being elected to the highest office.

Spelling out his formula of future government, Chowdhury said there should be two vice-presidents and three deputy prime ministers to assist the president and the prime minister for effective governance.

During Zia's time, he said there was one vice-president and three deputy prime ministers (DPMs). Later the post of the DPM was abolished but that of the vice-president continued until Ershad's rule.

He said one vice-president would be in charge of law and parliamentary affairs and the other in charge of administration. The first DPM, he said, would also be the deputy leader of the House to look after parliamentary and legal affairs, the second in charge of administration and the third in charge of development.

The cabinet, he said, would comprise of 30-40 efficient ministers. The prime minister would appoint 80 percent of the ministers while the ruling parliamentary party would nominate 20 percent.

He said out of the 300 parliament seats, 200 MPs would be elected by direct vote while the remaining 100 would be allocated pro rata on the percentage of votes polled by political parties, allowing induction of eminent personalities, professionals and dedicated political leaders into parliament. "This would help make parliament more effective, vibrant and enlightened."

Chowdhury also favoured floor crossing by MPs after three years, maintaining certain procedures.

"This is just my opinion. They are not just to be imposed. Politicians and experts may accept my proposals or reject. I will not live long, but just leave my ideas to the future generation to think about," he said.

"Because the way elections are being held, there is no chance for good people to contest the elections and be elected to parliament," he added.