Ershad, Hossain Mohammad

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'''Hussain Muhammad Ershad''' ({{lang-bn|হুসেইন মুহাম্মাদ এরশাদ}} ''Husein Muhammad Ershad'') (February 1, 1930 - July 14, 2019) was a [[Bangladesh|Bangladeshi]] [[politics|politician]] who was President from 1983 until 1991. He had previously served as [[Chief of Army Staff]] of [[Bangladesh Army]] then, after seizing power from the elected civilian President in 1982 he became Chief Martial Law Administrator. He accused civilian politicians of corruption. When he finally stood for election in 1986, having resigned as Army Chief, he did so without competition from any other major candidate. He claimed to have won 85.6 percent of the vote. However, allegations of vote rigging were rampant throughout his administration. That year, he founded the Jatiya Party, which won all local and national elections during his presidency. Under his regime, Bangladesh did make modest [[economics|economic]] progress but this was offset by lack of democratization. In 1987, he gave the military representation on local councils. His reform of local governance, though, was popular. He also initiated land reforms and encouraged the development of micro-credit and of private business. He was praised for his privatization incentives by the [[International Monetary Fund]] and the [[World Bank]]. He handled relief efforts during the floods of 1988-1989 efficiently.
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In December 1991, he was forced to resign following a series of [[strike]]s, demonstrations, and the withdrawal from political participation by the two main opposition parties. He was later found guilty on several counts of corruption and jailed for five years. From [[prison]], however, he was elected to Parliamentary from five different constituencies in 1991 and 1996, and still leads the countries third largest party. His reputation for autocratic rule, for privileging the [[military]], for ruling without [[parliament]], and for shadowy financial transactions cloud his legacy. He is remembered, generally, as having harmed the [[democracy|democratization]] process. Assessment of his administration suggests that any positive achievements are canceled out by the damage caused to the nation's political progress and development.
  
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Hussain Muhammad Ershad ({{lang-bn|হুসেইন মুহাম্মাদ এরশাদ}} ''Husein Muhammad Ershad'') born (February 1, [[1930]]) is a [[Bangladeshi]] politician who previously served as [[Chief of Army Staff]] of [[Bangladesh Army]] and later as Chief Martial Law Administrator [[1982]] -[[1986]]. His rise to the Presidency was in the exact same manner of his predecessor [[Major General]] [[Ziaur Rahman]]; H M Ershad being elected [[President of Bangladesh]] [[1986]] - [[1991]].  
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==Early life and military career==
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Hussain Muhammad Ershad was born in Rangpur in 1930. He graduated from the [[University of Dhaka]] in 1950 and was commissioned into the [[Pakistan Army]] in 1952. Between 1960 and 1962, he was an [[adjutant]] in the East Bengal regimental depot in [[Chittagong]]. He also completed advanced courses from the [[Command and Staff College]] in [[Quetta]] in 1966. After a brief period serving with a [[brigade]] in [[Sialkot]], he was given command of the 3rd East Bengal Regiment in 1969 and the 7th East Bengal Regiment in 1971. During the [[Bangladesh War of Independence]], he was interned along with other Bengali officers stationed in West Pakistan at the outbreak of the 1971 Liberation War and repatriated to Bangladesh in 1973 in accordance with the [[Simla Agreement]] between India's [[Indira Gandhi]] and Pakistan's [[Zulfiquar Ali Bhutto]].  
  
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He is a [[United Nations]] Laureate  and twice won the parliamentary elections. Although commonly termed as an ''autocratic military dictator''  his popularity remained; even when he was in prison Ershad won the Parliamentary Elections from five different constituencies twice - in the elections of [[1991]] & [[1996]] . He never regained back any government post but never was off the spotlight in Bangladesh's Political Arena either. He is the [[Chairman]] of [[Jatiya Party]] which he founded in 1986. It is the third largest party in Bangladesh.
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He arrived back to his homeland—the new state of Bangladesh in 1973, and was appointed [[Adjutant General]] of the [[Bangladesh Army]] by Prime Minister [[Sheikh Mukibir Rahman]]. After attending advanced military courses in [[India]], Ershad was appointed Deputy chief of army Staff in 1975 by Major General [[Ziaur Rahman]] when he became the chief martial law administrator (CMLA) following Justice Sayem's elevation to the presidency on November 19, 1976.
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==Early life and Military Career==
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Ershad remained loyal to [[Ziaur Rahman]]. Major General Zia had been appointed Army Chief by President [[Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad]] after the assassination of [[Sheikh Mujibur Rahman]], the country's founding leader, on August 15, 1975, as the country headed towards authoritarian, single-party rule. Although Major General Zia was overthrown in a counter-coup on November 3, he was restored to power in a coup led by Col. [[Abu Taher]] on November 7. When Ziaur Rahman assumed the presidency after Sayem's retirement due to ill health he appointed H M Ershad as the new [[Chief of Army Staff]], promoting him to the rank of [[Lieutenant General]]. Viewed as a professional soldier with no [[politics|political]] aspiration because of his imprisonment during the [[Independence War]] in former West [[Pakistan]] and having a talent for Bengali speech writing, he soon became Zia's closest politico-military counselor.
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Hussain Muhammad Ershad was born in Rangpur in 1930. He graduated from the [[University of Dhaka]] in 1950 and was commissioned into the [[Pakistan Army]] in 1952. Between 1960 and 1962, he was an [[adjutant]] in the East Bengal regimental depot in [[Chittagong]]. He also completed advanced courses from the [[Command and Staff College]] in [[Quetta]] in 1966. After a brief period serving with a [[brigade]] in [[Sialkot]], he was given command of the 3rd East Bengal Regiment in 1969 and the 7th East Bengal Regiment in 1971. During the [[Bangladesh War of Independence]], he was interned along with other Bengali officers stationed in West Pakistan at the outbreak of the 1971 Liberation War and repatriated to Bangladesh in 1973 in accordance with the [[Simla Agreement]] between India's [[Indira Gandhi]] and Pakistan's [[Zulfiquar Ali Bhutto]]. <ref>
 
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He arrived back to his homeland - the new state of Bangladesh in 1973, and was appointed [[Adjutant General]] of the [[Bangladesh Army]] by Prime Minister [[Sheikh Mukibir Rahman]]. After attending advanced military courses in [[India]], Ershad was appointed Deputy chief of army Staff in 1975 by Major General [[Ziaur Rahman]] when he became the chief martial law administrator (CMLA) following Justice Sayem's elevation to the presidency on November 19, 1976.
 
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Ershad remained loyal to [[Ziaur Rahman]]. Major General Zia had been appointed Army Chief by President [[Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad]] after the assassination of [[Sheikh Mujibur Rahman]], the country's founding leader, on 15 August 15, 1975 as the country headed towards authoritarian, single-party rule. Although Major General Zia was overthrown in a counter-coup on [[November 3]], he was restored to power in a coup led by Col. [[Abu Taher]] on [[November 7]]. When Ziaur Rahman assumed the presidency after Sayem's retirement due to ill healthhe appointed H M Ershad as the new [[Chief of Army Staff]], promoting him to the rank of [[Lieutenant General]]. Viewed as a professional soldier with no [[politics|political]] aspiration because of his imprisonment during the [[Independence War]] in former West [[Pakistan]] and having a talent for Bengali speech writing, he soon became Zia's closest politico-military counselor.
 
  
 
== The Presidency ==
 
== The Presidency ==
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After the [[assassination of Ziaur Rahman]] on May 30, 1981 Ershad supported [[Abdus Sattar]], the Vice-President who succeeded Zia as President and ordered the army to suppress the coup attempt of Zia's associates, allegedly led by Major General [[Abul Monjur]]. It is widely speculated that Monjur was used as a scapegoat and that Ershad himself was behind the liquidation of President Zia. Ershad however maintained loyalty to the new president Abdus Sattar, who led the [[Bangladesh Nationalist Party]] to victory in elections in 1982. H M Ershad even allotted a house to Mrs. [[Khaleda Zia]] and her two sons when he took over as Chief Martial Law Administrator. Chowdhury speculates that Ershad wanted to assume power but decided to bide his time. Zia was popular, having reintroduced multi-party democracy and although less charismatic Sattar was respected and even admired. Chowdhury says that Ershad instead began to demand an increased political role for the military. He began to claim that the politicians were corrupt and were "ruing the country."<ref>Mahfuzul H. Chowdhury, ''Democratization in South Asia: Lessons from American Institutions'' (Burlington, VT: Ashgate, 2003, ISBN 9780754634232), 38.</ref>
  
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After the [[assassination of Ziaur Rahman]] on 30 May 30, 1981 Ershad supported [[Abdus Sattar]], the Vice-President who succeeded Zia as President and ordered the army to suppress the coup attempt of Zia's associates, allegedly led by Major General [[Abul Monjur]]. It is widely speculated that Monjur was used as a scapegoat and that Ershad himself was behind the liquidation of President Zia. Ershad however maintained loyalty to the new president [[Abdus Sattar]], who led the [[Bangladesh Nationalist Party]] to victory in elections in 1982. H M Ershad even allotted a house to Mrs. [[Khaleda Zia]] and her two sons when he took over as Chief Martial Law Administrator. Chowdhury speculates that Ershad wanted to assume power but decided to bide his time.  Zia was popular, having reintroduced multi-party democracy and although less charismatic Sattar was respected and even admired. Chowdhury says that Ershad instead began to demand an increased political role for the military.  He began to claim that the politicians were corrupt and were "ruing the country."<ref>Chowdhury, page 38.</ref>
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Under pressure from high-ranking army commanders for the military to take over the reins of state, Ershad toppled President Sattar in a bloodless coup on March 24, 1982 and proclaimed himself Chief Martial Law Administrator (CMLA) with Justice A. F. M. Ahsanuddin Choudury as nominal President. Ershad took over as president on December 11, 1983. From the start, Ershad was regarded as an usurper. Opposition began as early as December 1982, when Ershad announced his preference for [[Shari'ah]] law. On March 14, 1983, Khaleda Zia of the BNP and [[Sheikh Hasina]] of the Awami League were both arrested. They were released on March 1. In March 1985, Ershad held a referendum on his presidency, claiming a "positive vote of 94.15 percent."<ref>Craig Baxter, ''Bangladesh: From a Nation to a State'' (Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1998, ISBN 9780813328546), 112.</ref> Allegations of election fraud were rampant throughout Ershad's presidency.<ref>Chowdhury, 39.</ref> Two months later, in a largely uncontested election for local council chairs, Ershad's newly created Jatyo Party swept the board. In January, 1986 he lifted restrictions on political parties and announced a parliamentary election. This was held later that year but due to irregularities some constituencies repolling took place. The BNP boycotted but the Awami League contested seats and won 76. Jatyo won 153. Smaller parties won 39 and independents won a total of 32. The third largest party was the Jamaat-i-Islam with 10. 5 seats went to the [[communism|communists]]. Sheikh Hasina became official leader of the opposition but rarely attended parliament, which was by-passed by Ershad whenever possible. His system of governance relied on the secretaries of the various ministries with "little political consultation with the ministers."<ref>Baxter, 113.</ref> Three measures that parliament did ratify were especially controversial. In August 1986, Ershad resigned as Army Chief of Staff in order to stand for election as president. This time, both the main opposition parties boycotted the October 15 election, which Ershad easily won against two insignificant candidates. In November 1986, parliament voted to legalize Ershad's presidency from his assumption of power.
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Under pressure from high-ranking army commanders for the military to take over the reins of state, Ershad toppled President Sattar in a bloodless coup on 24 March 24, 1982 and proclaimed himself Chief Martial Law Administrator (CMLA) with Justice A. F. M. Ahsanuddin Choudury as nominal President. Ershad took over as president on 11 December, 11 1983. From the start, Ershad was regarded as a usurper. Opposition begam as early as December 1982, when Ershad announced his preference for [[Shari'ah]] law. On March 14, 1983 Khaleda Zia of the BNP and [[Sheikh Hasina]] of the Awami League were both arrested. They were released on March 1. In March, 1985 Ershad held a referendum on his presidency, almiming a "positive vote of 94.15 percent."<ref>Baxter, page 112.</ref> Allegations of election fraud were rampant throughout Ershad's presidency.<Chowdhury, page 39.</ref> Two months later, in a largely uncontested election for local council chairs, Ershad's newly created atyo Party swept the board. In January, 1986 he lifted restrictions on political parties and announced a parliamentary election. This was held later that year but due to irregularities some constituencies repolling took place. The BNP boycotted but the Awami League contested seats and won 76. Jatyo won 153. Smaller parties won 39 and independents won a total of 32. The third largest party was the Jamaat-i-Islam with 10. 5 seats went to the [[communism|communists]]. Sheikh Hasina became official leader of the opposition but rarely attended parliament, which was by-passed by Ershad whenver possibe. His system of governance relied on the secretaries of the various ministries with "little political consultation with the ministers."<ref>Baxter, page 113.</ref> Two measures that parliament did ratify were especially controversial. In August, 1986 Ershad resigned as Army Chief of Staff in order to stand for election as president. This time, both the main oppossition parties boycotted the October 15 election, which Ershad easily won against two insignificant candidates.
 
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Two controversial measures did gain parliamentary approval, however.  In July, 1987 an Act gave the military representation on local councils.
 
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As president, Ershad included amendments into the constitution of Bangladesh which declared [[Islam]] the state religion, abandoning state [[secularism]]. This was mainly to strengthen Bangladesh's standing in the Muslim World, not in response to any popular expression of support for this constitutional change. To improve rural administration, Ershad introduced the a new system of local councils and held the elections for these village councils in 1985. In an election held in 1986, Ershad was nominated by the Jatiya party, which had been created by him and his supporters. One of the major political parties BNP founded by his predecessor  Ziaur Rahman boycotted the elections as did the other major party [[Awami League]]. Ershad, however, was declared its winner. Accusations of election fraud were rampant.<ref>Chowdhury, page 38.</ref> According to ChoThe Jatiya Party also won an absolute majority in the [[Jatiyo Sangshad]].In 1987 Bangladesh’s Land Ministry launched the '''Land Reforms Action Program''', an initiative to distribute khas – unoccupied state-owned land – to landless families. A novel element of the land reform was the establishment by the Ministry of Land.
 
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Ershad's regime is seen as the longest autocratic rule in Bangladesh. There was violence, [[Human rights]] abuse and corruption during his tenure.
 
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Ershad also played a key role during the [[SAARC]] Summit , uniting all member states of South-East Asian States. Significant achievement was that be brought leaders of arch rivals - [[India]] & [[Pakistan]], [[Rajiv Gandhi]] & [[Benazir Bhutto]] respectively, together in the same table.
 
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=== United Nations Recognitions ===
 
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He was awarded as United Nations Laureate twice during his presidency, from the [[United Nations]]. These are: -
 
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'''1.''' '''UN Population Award''' in [[10 June]], [[1987]] <ref>[http://www.unfpa.org/about/popaward/laureates.htm United Nations Laureates]</ref>
 
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'''2.''' '''UN Environment Award''' in [[1988]] <ref>[http://www.global500.org/ViewLaureate.asp?ID=396 United Nations Laureates]</ref>
 
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=== Other Accomplishments  ===
 
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During Ershad's rule, the construction of the [[Jamuna Bridge]] connecting the country's north and south together, was started. The Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge Authority (JMBA) was set up by an ordinance promulgated by the President on [[July 3]] [[1985]] to implement the project. For mobilisation of domestic resources, another ordinance was promulgated by which a Jamuna Bridge surcharge and levy were introduced. A total of Tk 5.08 billion was mobilised in the process till its abolition. [][http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/B_0119.htm Banglapedia - 9<sup>th</sup> Paragraph]
 
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H M Ershad stabilized the Bangladesh Armed Forces which was facing a series of Coups and counter Coups ever since its emergence as a nation in 1971. The South Asian Multidisciplinary Academic Journal documents the Bangladesh Army's history regarding this. The Bangladesh Armed Forces did not attempt any coups since Ershad's takeover in 1982 to 1996. The '''Awami League''' in alliance with '''Jatiya Party''' as its ally won the elections in 1996. <ref name="codron">{{cite journal
 
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  | last = Codron
 
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  | first = Jérémie
 
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  | authorlink = Jérémie Codron
 
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  | title = Maturation & Distortion of the Bangladeshi Army
 
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  | journal = SAMAJ Putting Factions Back in the Civil Military Relations Equation Genesis
 
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  | pages = 55
 
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  | publisher = Association pour la Recherche sur l Asie du Sud Loi 1901
 
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  | location = South Asia
 
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  | date = [[2007-10-18]]
 
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  | url = http://samaj.revues.org/document230.html
 
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  | accessdate = 23-11-2008 }}</ref>
 
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During Ershad's tenure as [[President of Bangladesh]] elected in [[1986]], the [[Bangladesh Army]] started its participation in the [[United Nations]] Peacekeeping Operations in [[1988]] for the very first<ref>[http://www.army.mil.bd/newahq/index5.php?category=177 Bangladesh Army UN Deployment]</ref> time. <ref name="codron1">
 
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{{cite journal
 
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  | last = Codron
 
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  | first = Jérémie
 
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  | authorlink = Jérémie Codron
 
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  | title = Maturation & Distortion of the Bangladeshi Army
 
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  | journal = SAMAJ - Putting Factions Back in the Civil Military Relations Equation Genesis
 
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  | pages = 62
 
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  | publisher = Association pour la Recherche sur l Asie du Sud Loi 1901
 
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  | location = South Asia
 
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  | date = [[2007-10-18]]
 
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  | url = http://samaj.revues.org/document230.html
 
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  | accessdate = 23-11-2008 }}
 
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</ref> The particiaption of Bangladesh Armed Forces in UN Peacekeeping Operations initiated by Ershad turned out to be one of the highest source of foreign currency earners today<ref>[www.bbs.gov.bd Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics]</ref>.
 
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=== The Downfall ===
 
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A wide umbrella of political parties united against Ershad. Zia's widow [[Khaleda Zia]] now led the BNP, which allied itself with the [[Awami League]], led by Mujib's daughter [[Sheikh Hasina]]; [[Awami League]] stopped its support to Ershad and resigned from the Parliament in 1987. The leftist parties and groups remained keen to keep other parties on the track towards the ousting of Ershad's regime. The [[Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh]] and other parties also joined the opposition ranks. The strikes and protests called by the opposition groups paralysed the state and its economy. Under pressure, Ershad dissolved the parliament on [[7 December]], [[1987]] but the fresh elections were again boycotted by the opposition. An intensifying opposition campaign launched by the students ultimately forced Ershad to step down on [[06 Dec]], [[1990]]. The West, that backed him for almost a decade, no longer supported the ''Non-Socialist President'' after the fall of [[USSR]]
 
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He handed over power to Justice [[Shahabuddin Ahmed]] to an acceptable ''neutral'' Caretaker Government; this was a move that was made for the very first time in the country's history and was not in the constitution at the time. However the neutrality is questionable as Shahabuddin immediately placed Ershad under arrest. The then [[Army Chief of Staff]] Lt General [[Nuruddin Khan]] unlike his predecessor Lt Gen [[Atiqur Rahman]] was not loyal having his own political ambition and agenda. This was seen in in [[1996]] when the newly elected Government of Awami League selected Shahabuddin as the Presidnet and Lt General [[Nuruddin Khan]] became the Energy Minister, only to be dismissed for grossly mismanaging the portfolio.
 
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Although anti-Ershad sentiment was strong, H M Ershad contested the election from jail and still won all 5 different constituencies he contested from in [[1991]]. The new government led by the BNP's [[Khaleda Zia]] instituted a number of corruption charges. Ershad was convicted of some of the charges while mostly were dismissed and thrown  out of court.
 
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In the 1996 elections, Ershad again won election the 5 from jail and aligned his party with the Awami League against the BNP.  
 
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He was released from jail on [[09 January]], [[1997]] by the government of Sheikh Hasina but only after an unconditional support was provided to her by the former President.
 
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== Arrest, Charges & Conviction ==
 
  
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=== Arrest Ruled Illegal by Supreme Court ===
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Two controversial measures did gain parliamentary approval, however. In July 1987, an Act gave the military representation on local councils.
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In June, 1988 the constitution was amended to establish [[Islam]] as the state religion, abandoning state [[secularism]]. This was mainly to strengthen Bangladesh's standing in the Muslim World, not in response to any popular expression of support for this constitutional change. In fact, opposition came from a broad spectrum, including women, the main opposition parties and non-Muslim Bangladeshis. Late 1988 early 1989 saw some of the worst floods on record, and political activity took second place to relief work. Ershad has been praised for his efficient handling of this emergency.<ref>Salahuddin Ahmed, ''Bangladesh: Past and Present'' (New Delhi, IN: A.P.H. Pub. Corp., 2004, ISBN 9788176484695), 229.</ref>
  
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On Sunday, [[1 March]] [[1998]], the [[Supreme Court]] of Bangladesh ruled that President Hussain Muhammad Ershad's original arrest in 1990 by the Caretaker Government led by Justice [[Shahabuddin Ahmed]] was illegal. <ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/low/world/s/w_asia/61135.stm Detention of Bangladeshi Leader Declared Illegal], BBC News, March 1, 1998.</ref> [[Shahabuddin Ahmed]] who was selected President by [[Awami League]] in [[1996]] had stayed away from the media to comment on his illegal and unconstitutional action back in [[Dec]] [[1990]] as declared by the country's apex court. The ruling paved the way for the former President H M Ershad to sue for wrongful arrest if he chose to do so. However he was convicted on separate charges and given a prison term.  
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===Achievements===
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Ershad's regime is remembered as the longest autocratic rule in Bangladesh. There was violence, [[Human rights]] abuse and corruption during his tenure. However, he did oversee some positive developments. In several areas, he continued the policies of the previous regime, including encouraging private business, foreign aid and investment and land reform.<ref>Ahmed, 229-230; Chowhdury, 39.</ref> He established the Ministry of Land to deal with disputes about ownership and to extend ownership to the landless. In encouraging privatization, he helped meet requirements from the IMF and was praised by the World Bank.<ref name=Baxter115>Baxter, 115.</ref> In October 1983, he visited [[Ronald Reagan] securing continued aid.
  
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His reorganization of local governance proved popular, creating ''upazilas'' to replace the much larger Districts, each with an elected council.
  
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=== Charges & Convictions ===
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During Ershad's rule, the construction of the [[Jamuna Bridge]] connecting the country's north and south together, was started. The Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge Authority (JMBA) was set up by an ordinance promulgated by the President on July 3 1985 to implement the project. For mobilization of domestic resources, another ordinance was promulgated by which a Jamuna Bridge surcharge and levy were introduced. A total of Tk 5.08 billion was mobilized in the process till its abolition.
  
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H M Ershad has been convicteded and served time for only one case that has been upheld by the Supreme Court of the nation - Janata Tower Case. When his relations with the ruling [[Awami League]] subsequently deteriorated as the he joined hands with the other main opposition [[BNP]] of [[Khaleda Zia]]. This the only conviction that has been upheld by the country's Supreme Court, which did not have its full bench present {{cn}}.
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Ershad stabilized the Bangladesh Armed Forces which was facing a series of Coups and counter Coups ever since its emergence as a nation in 1971. He sent Bangladeshi soldiers on UN peace-keeping missions for the first time.
  
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There are still a few other pending cases against him but most has been thrown out of the court or cleared him of any wrong doing. The most famous case <ref>[http://www.bangladeshnews.com.bd/2006/11/22/bnp-govt-falsely-implicated-him-in-gold-smuggling-case-in-1991 BangladeshNews
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In March 1989, his administration passed legislation creating autonomous, elected district councils in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. For decades, disputes between the Hill Tract [[ethnic group|ethnic groups]], mainly [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] and Bengalis had caused civil unrest.
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BNP Govt Falsely Implicated .......... in 1991]</ref> that the [[BNP]] Government at the time falsely implicated him by was a gold smuggling case. This was later thrown out by a Dhaka Court<ref>[http://www.bangladeshnews.com.bd/2007/09/19/ershad-gets-acquitted/ BangladeshNews Ershad Gets Acquitted]</ref> <ref>[http://www.bangladeshnews.com.bd/2006/09/21/case-against-ershad-witnesses-now-know-nothing-about-gold-smuggling/ BangladeshNews Witnesses Knows Nothing About Gold Smuggling]</ref> <ref>http://www.allvoices.com/news/882352-ershad-nizami</ref>
 
  
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== Personal Life ==
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Ershad's 18-point development program was similar to Zia's 19-point plan. This included ending [[poverty]], making health care accessible to all citizens, extending micro-credit, decentralization of the administration and increasing agricultural output.<ref>Chowdhury, 168.</ref>
  
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Hussain Mohammad Ershad is married to Raushan Ershad, and they adopted a son and a daughter. He also has a son from his second wife Bidisha Ershad.
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=== The downfall ===
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By December 1987, the Awami League had resigned from Parliament, which was then dissolved. In November, 1987 a strike shut Dhakka down and Ershad declared a state of emergency. Both the BNP and the Awami League boycotted the election of March 3, 1998. The Jatyo won 252 seats but the "election was meaningless" due to lack of participation by the main parties.<ref>Baxter, 114.</ref> Increasingly, the NBP and the Awami League cooperated in opposition, joined by [[labor unions]] and by student organizations as well as Jamaat-i-Islami Bangladesh and other parties. The strikes and protests called by the opposition groups paralyzed the state and its economy. Informed by senior military officers that they were no longer prepared to keep him in power, Ershad resigned on December 6, 1990.<ref name=Baxter115/> Justice [[Shahabuddin Ahmed]] was appointed acting president and a "caretaker" government was formed to supervise a fair and free election. Ershad was arrested on corruption charges.  
  
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H M Ershad has allegedly married three times {{cn}}. A woman named Mary Mumtaz filed for divorce from Ershad in USA. However as per USA constitution and provision for Immunity from Prosecution for Head of State of a Friendly Nation<ref>www.state.gov/documents/organization/28494.pdf</ref> the court ruled against Mumtaz {{cn}}.
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===Corruption charges and imprisonment===
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Ershad faced a range of charges. Some have been dropped. He has been acquitted on several and found guilty of several. In July 1995, he was found guilty of ordering flood rescue craft from a [[Japan|Japanese]] company when their bid was not the lowest and sentenced to three years in prison. He was found guilty of illegally possessing and benefiting from state owned land and sentenced to seven years, later reduced to five on appeal.<ref>Ahmed, 230-231.</ref> In 2006, he was sentenced to two more years in jail for corruption.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6179289.stm Jail Sentence for General Ershad] ''BBC'', December 14, 2006. Retrieved December 9, 2019.</ref>
  
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His eldest son Shad Ershad had his share of misfortune too, when he tried to help a mentally ill girl who ran away from home. The girl's father filed a missing peron's case, however the government pressured to pursue the case when it was discovered he was with the Former President's son to discredit him <ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/low/south_asia/667095.stm BBC Online - Ex Bangladesh Leader Fights for Son]</ref>
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===Later political career===
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Although anti-Ershad sentiment was strong, H M Ershad was allowed to contest the 1991 election from jail. His party won all 5 constituencies which it contested from. Khaleda Zia's BNP won and she became Bangladesh's first woman Prime Minister. The constitution was amended to vest power in a Prime Minister in parliament, making the President, appointed by Parliament, a mainly ceremonial post. The role of a caretaker government between the end of one term and the next election was also formalized.
  
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However he has been infamous for extra-marital affairs which were on cover of every newpaper in the country soon after his downfal which continued till 2006. His affair with Zeenat Mosharraf, a member of Parliament almost removed him from the Chairmanship <ref>[http://www.indianexpress.com/ie/daily/19970502/12250683.html Indian Epress]</ref>.
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In the 1996 elections, Ershad again won election from jail, aligning his party with the Awami League, which won, against the BNP. Sheikh Hasina took up office as Bangladesh's second woman Prime Minister. On June 30, 2007, Ershad stepped down temporarily from the post of Party Chairman, indicating an end to his political career. It is speculated that he stepped down under pressure as the Caretaker Government started a series of prosecution and arrest for corruption and criminal charges against political leaders of Awami League and BNP]] including Sheikh Hasina, Khaleda Zia, and her son Tareq Rahman, among others.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6446065.stm BBC Khaleda Zia's son is refused bail.] ''BBC'', March 13, 2007. Retrieved December 9, 2019.</ref>
  
−
His marraige with Bidisha ended in a bitter divorce and sedition charges brought by the [[BNP]] Government against Bidisha<ref>[http://www.thedailystar.net/magazine/2005/06/03/news.htm The Daily Star]</ref>. H M Ershad divorced her for allegedly hiding her first marraige which still was not annulled at the time of their marraige. <ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4627707.stm BBC Online]</ref>
+
However on April 8, 2008, Ershad took charge of his Jatiya Party once again. On November 19, 2008, Jatiya Party and Awami League agreed to contest the elections jointly under the Caretaker Government to be held on December 29, 2008. Thus, the Grand Alliance emerged in Bangladesh.
  
−
His wife and former first lady of Bangladesh Mrs. Raushan Ershad always stayed by his side despite the infidelity {{cn}}. She was the acting Chairperson when Ershad was in prison, and now leads a rival faction of [[Jatiya Party]]. Raushan Ershad was also elected as a Member of [[Parliament]] thrice in the elctions of 1991, 1996 and 2001.
+
The 2014 election was controversial for the Jatiya Party when Ershad's spokesperson [[Bobby Hajjaj]] publicly declared they would not participate in the election. After the 2014 election, Ershad became the special envoy of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the Bangladesh Awami League led government. Jatiya Party became the opposition party and [[Raushan Ershad]], Ershad's wife, became the leader of the opposition.<ref>[http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2017/03/27/new-high-court-bench-assigned-to-hear-ershads-appeal-in-1991-graft-case New High Court bench assigned to hear Ershad's appeal in 1991 graft case] ''bdnews24.com'', March 27, 2017. Retrieved December 9, 2019.</ref>  In January 2016, Ershad's brother, [[GM Quader]], was made the vice chairman of the party.<ref>[http://bdnews24.com/politics/2016/01/17/ershad-makes-brother-gm-quader-jatiya-party-co-chairman Ershad makes brother GM Quader Jatiya Party co-chairman] ''bdnews24.com'', January 17, 2016. Retrieved December 9, 2019.</ref> In April 2016, Ershad appointed Raushan as the vice-chair of the party.<ref>[http://bdnews24.com/politics/2016/04/28/ershad-makes-raushon-senior-co-chairman-of-jatiya-party Ershad makes Raushon senior co-chairman of Jatiya Party] ''bdnews24.com'', April 28, 2016. Retrieved December 9, 2019.</ref>
  
−
==Later Political Career==
+
== Personal life ==
 +
Hussain Mohammad Ershad was [[marriage|married]] to Raushan Ershad, and they adopted a son and a daughter. He also had a son from his second wife, Bidisha Ershad.
  
−
Hussain Muhammad Ershad, is the only high profile politician to be convicted of corruption and serve a prison sentence. Legal complexities tend to prolong the investigation and settlement of the corruption cases against senior politicians in Bangladesh."We really don't know what will be the fate of these cases," lawyer Shahdeen Malik told the BBC.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/2705905.stm BBC News]</ref>
+
H.M. Ershad was allegedly married three times. A woman named Marieum Mumtaz claimed she had secretly married Ershad on August 14, 1982. In June 1990, she filed a suit against Ershad in the United States, seeking dissolution of marriage.<ref>Farid Hossain, [https://apnews.com/d0cfb0bf0ce2a5726e33805cf1b2eb94 After President's Fall, Quiet Gossip Goes Public] ''Associated Press'', December 29, 1990. Retrieved December 9, 2019.</ref>
  
−
Ershad lost his membership in parliament owing to his conviction on charges of corruption when his relations with the ruling [[Awami League]] subsequently deteriorated. He switched his support to his one-time political adversary and main opposition leader, [[Khaleda Zia]] forming an anti-government coalition.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/low/south_asia/1032550.stm BBC News Online]</ref> <ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/low/south_asia/1032550.stm BBC News Online]</ref> and the court verdict followed.
+
His eldest son Shad Ershad had his share of misfortune too, when he tried to help a mentally ill girl who ran away from home. The girl's father filed a missing person's case, however the government pressured to pursue the case when it was discovered he was with the Former President's son to discredit him.<ref>David Chazan, [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/low/south_asia/667095.stm Ex Bangladesh Leader Fights for Son] ''BBC'', March 5, 2000. Retrieved December 9, 2019.</ref>  
  
−
Both [[Khaleda Zia]] of [[BNP]] and [[Sheikh Hasina]] of [[Awami League]]  allied with him in time of their need to suit their purpose<ref>[http://www.bangladeshnews.com.bd/2006/07/31/ershad-made-protagonist-in-politics-again/ Ershad Maed Protagonist]</ref>. <ref>[http://dwelle.de/southasia/1.193124.1.html DW-World Bangladesh: Shifting Alliances before the Polls]</ref> '
+
Ershad became infamous for extra-marital affairs, which were on the cover of every newspaper in the country soon after his downfall, and continuing till 2006.  
  
−
On [[June 30]], [[2007]] Ershad stepped down temporarily from the post of Party Chairman, indicating an end to his political career.<ref>[http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/07/01/d7070101011.htm "Ershad quits party post"], ''The Daily Star'', [[July 1]], [[2007]].</ref> It is speculated that he stepped down under pressure as the Caretaker Government started a series of prosecution and arrest for corruption and criminal charges against political leaders of [[Awami League]] & [[BNP]] including [[Sheikh Hasina]], [[Khaleda Zia]] and her son [[Tareq Rahman]] <ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6446065.stm BBC Tarique Rahman Denied Bail]</ref> among others <ref>[http://www.asiantribune.com/index.php?q=node/427 Those Shameless Corrupts in Bangladesh]</ref> <ref>[http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/06/01/d7060101011.htm The Daily Star]</ref>.
+
His marriage with Bidisha ended in a bitter divorce and sedition charges brought by the BNP Government against Bidisha.<ref>[http://archive.thedailystar.net/magazine/2005/06/03/news.htm The Story Behind Bidisha's Arrest] ''Star Weekend Magazine'', June 17, 2005. Retrieved December 9, 2019.</ref> H. M. Ershad divorced her for allegedly hiding her first marriage which still was not [[annulment|annulled]] at the time of their marriage.<ref>Waliur Rahman, [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4627707.stm Ex-Bangladesh ruler's wife bailed] ''BBC'', Jun3 27, 2005. Retrieved December 9, 2019.</ref>
  
−
However on [[08 April]] [[ 2008 ]], Ershad took charge of his Jatiya Party once again <ref>[http://www.bangladeshnews.com.bd/2008/04/08/ershad-claims-party-top-post-again Ershad Cliams Party Top Post Again]</ref> Back in 2006 he protested against the controverial Election Commissioner (CEC) MA Aziz Decesion. He later joined the street movement along with Awami Leage [http://www.bangladeshnews.com.bd/2006/11/21/ershads-jp-now-to-join-street-movement-for-cecs-removal/ Ershad's JP Joins Street Movement Against CEC].  
+
His wife and former first lady of Bangladesh Mrs. Raushan Ershad always stayed by his side despite his infidelity. She was the acting Chairperson when Ershad was in prison, and became the leader a rival faction of Jatiya Party. Raushan Ershad was also elected as a Member of [[Parliament]] thrice in the elections of 1991, 1996, and 2001.
  
−
On [[19 November]] [[2008]] [[Jatiya Party]] & [[Awami League]] agreed to contest the elctions jointly under the Caretaker Governemnt to be held on on [[18 December]] [[2008]] <!-- Resceduled to Decemebr 29, 2008 —> Out of the 300 Constituencies in the Parliament, Ershad's Jatiya Party will contest from 50 seats and Awami League from the rest 250, subject to Election Commisioner's approval of nominated candidates.<ref>[http://www.bangladeshnews.com.bd/2008/11/19/jp-aboard-al-polls-boat JP Abroad AL Poll's Boat]</ref>
+
Ershad was admitted to Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka on June 26, 2019 and again on June 29 after his condition suddenly deteriorated. He died on July 14, 2019. His state funeral was held two days later.<ref>[https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/07/state-funeral-bangladeshs-president-ershad-190716073232100.html State funeral for Bangladesh's former President Ershad] ''Al Jazeera'', July 16, 2019. Retrieved December 6, 2019.</ref>
  
−
Former Hussain Muhammad Ershad is due to contest electons from his birth place greater Rangpur-3, Kurigram-2 & Dhaka-17 the capital's diplomatic zone, where he resides.
+
==Legacy==
 +
Ershad served the longest presidential term and is the first former president of Bangladesh to have been sentenced to prison. Ahmed comments on the difference between Zia and Ershad; while Zia's transformation from military dictator to civilian president was largely successful, Ershad failed to make the transition. Zia won the support of the youth, Ershad alienated them and although he tried hard he could not shake the image of being an "oppressive ruler." He is widely regarded as a usurper who toppled Sattar's elected government and set democracy back, especially by privileging the military.<ref>Ahmed, 229.</ref> Yet, says Ahmed, he enjoyed some popularity, winning seats from jail. Corruption charges against politicians are commonplace in Bangladesh; both Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina faced corruption allegations. Chowdhury points out how once the military have seized power in Bangladesh, they are reluctant to relinquish this and that despite some progress under military rule, civilian rule has proved better for "social progress, economic and political development."<ref>Chowdhury, 127; 53.</ref> Choudhury describes that his regime as the most corrupt in the [[history]] of Bangladesh and says that he took vote rigging to a new level.<ref>Chowdhury, 37.</ref> Progress, she says, was minimal and the damage caused by "the absence of democratization."<ref>Chowdhury, 39.</ref>
  
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==See also==
+
Ershad was honored by the [[United Nations]] twice as a United Nations Laureate during his presidency:
 +
* UN Population Award (1987)<ref>[https://www.unfpa.org/search/site/Ershad Award Laureates] ''United Nations Population Fund''. Retrieved December 9, 2019.</ref>
 +
* in recognition of the campaign for an international convention on the protection and conservation of climate, and other contributions (1990).<ref>[http://www.global500.org/ViewLaureate.asp?ID=396 Adult Award Winner in 1990] ''Global 500 Forum''. Retrieved December 9, 2019</ref>
  
 +
==Notes==
 +
<references/>
  
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----
 
 
==References==
 
==References==
−
{{reflist}}
+
* Ahmed, Salahuddin. ''Bangladesh: Past and Present''. New Delhi, IN: A.P.H. Pub. Corp., 2004. ISBN 9788176484695.
−
 
+
* Baxter, Craig. ''Bangladesh: From a Nation to a State. Nations of the Modern World''. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1998. ISBN 9780813328546.
−
 
+
* Chakravarti, S.R. ''Bangladesh Uunder Mujib, Zia, and Ershad: Dilemma of a New Nation.'' New Delhi, IN: Har-Anand Publications, 1995. ISBN 9788124103098.
−
==References==
+
* Chowdhury, Mahfuzul H. ''Democratization in South Asia: Lessons from American Institutions.'' Burlington, VT: Ashgate, 2003. ISBN 9780754634232.
−
* Baxter, Craig. 1998. Bangladesh: from a nation to a state. Nations of the modern world. Boulder, Colo: Westview Press.  
+
* Khan, Manzur Rashid. ''Fall of Ershad and Rule of Shahabuddin.'' Dhaka, BD: Agamee Prakashani, 2000. ISBN 9789844014404.
−
* Chakravarti, S. R. 1995.'' Bangladesh under Mujib, Zia, and Ershad: dilemma of a new nation.'' New Delhi: Har-Anand Publications. ISBN 9788124103098
+
* Matīna, Ābadula. ''Ershad's Election Fraud.'' Bangladesh political scene, no. 3. London, UK: Radical Asia Publications, 1986. ISBN 9780907546054.
−
* Chowdhury, Mahfuzul H. 2003. ''Democratization in South Asia: lessons from American institutions.'' Burlington, VT: Ashgate. ISBN 9780754634232.
+
* Matīna, Ābadula. ''Bangladesh Dictator Unmasked: Ershad Shows Contempt for the Electorate.'' Bangladesh political scene, no. 5. London, UK: Radical Asia Publications, 1988. ISBN 9780907546085.
−
* Khan, Manzur Rashid. 2000.'' Fall of Ershad and rule of Shahabuddin.'' Dhaka: Agamee Prakashani. ISBN 9789844014404
+
* Ziring, Lawrence. ''Bangladesh: From Mujib to Ershad: An Interpretive Study.'' Karachi, PK: Oxford University Press, 1992. ISBN 9780195774207.
−
* Matīna, Ābadula. 1986. ''Ershad's election fraud.'' Bangladesh political scene, no. 3. London: Radical Asia Publications. ISBN 9780907546054
 
−
* Matīna, Ābadula. 1988. ''Bangladesh dictator unmasked: Ershad shows contempt for the electorate.'' Bangladesh political scene, no. 5. London: Radical Asia Publications. ISBN 9780907546085
 
−
* Ziring, Lawrence. 1992. ''Bangladesh: from Mujib to Ershad: an interpretive study.'' Karachi: Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780195774207
 
−
* "Ershad, Hussain Muhammad". 1984. ''Current Biography Yearbook.'' 45. {{OCLC| 51873850}}
 
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
−
*[http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3404702034.html Encyclopedia of World Biography]
+
All links retrieved December 6, 2019.
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*[http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/E_0071.htm Banglapedia biography]
+
*[http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3404702034.html Encyclopedia of World Biography].
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*[http://www.jatiyaparty.org Jatiya Party.]
+
*[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jul/14/general-hussain-muhammad-ershad-obituary General Hussain Muhammad Ershad obituary] ''The Guardian''.
 +
*[https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/hussain-muhammad-ershad-former-bangladeshi-military-dictator-dies-at-89/2019/07/15/1fa073c0-a70b-11e9-86dd-d7f0e60391e9_story.html Hussein Mohammed Ershad, former Bangladeshi military dictator, dies at 89] ''The Washington Post''.
 +
*[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/hussain-muhammad-ershad-death-bangladesh-president-coup-corruption-prison-a9013561.html Obituary: Hussain Muhammad Ershad: Bangladesh president and army chief who led a bloodless coup] ''The Independent''.
  
 
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{{succession box|title=President of Bangladesh|before=[[Abdus Sattar]]|after=[[A.F.M. Ahsanuddin Chowdhury]]|years=March 24 1982&ndash;27 March 27 1982}}
 
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{{succession box|title=President of Bangladesh|before=[[A.F.M. Ahsanuddin Chowdhury]]|after=[[Shahabuddin Ahmed]]|years=December 11 1983&ndash;6 December 6 1990}}
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{{succession box|title=President of Bangladesh|before=[[A.F.M. Ahsanuddin Chowdhury]]|after=[[Shahabuddin Ahmed]]|years=December 11 1983&ndash;6 December 6 1990}}
 
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[[Category:Biography]]
 
[[Category:Biography]]
 
[[Category:Politicians and reformers]]
 
[[Category:Politicians and reformers]]
 
[[Category:History of Asia]]
 
[[Category:History of Asia]]
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Latest revision as of 20:24, 30 December 2019

Hossain Mohammad Ershad.

Hussain Muhammad Ershad (Bengali: হুসেইন মুহাম্মাদ এরশাদ Husein Muhammad Ershad) (February 1, 1930 - July 14, 2019) was a Bangladeshi politician who was President from 1983 until 1991. He had previously served as Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh Army then, after seizing power from the elected civilian President in 1982 he became Chief Martial Law Administrator. He accused civilian politicians of corruption. When he finally stood for election in 1986, having resigned as Army Chief, he did so without competition from any other major candidate. He claimed to have won 85.6 percent of the vote. However, allegations of vote rigging were rampant throughout his administration. That year, he founded the Jatiya Party, which won all local and national elections during his presidency. Under his regime, Bangladesh did make modest economic progress but this was offset by lack of democratization. In 1987, he gave the military representation on local councils. His reform of local governance, though, was popular. He also initiated land reforms and encouraged the development of micro-credit and of private business. He was praised for his privatization incentives by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. He handled relief efforts during the floods of 1988-1989 efficiently.

In December 1991, he was forced to resign following a series of strikes, demonstrations, and the withdrawal from political participation by the two main opposition parties. He was later found guilty on several counts of corruption and jailed for five years. From prison, however, he was elected to Parliamentary from five different constituencies in 1991 and 1996, and still leads the countries third largest party. His reputation for autocratic rule, for privileging the military, for ruling without parliament, and for shadowy financial transactions cloud his legacy. He is remembered, generally, as having harmed the democratization process. Assessment of his administration suggests that any positive achievements are canceled out by the damage caused to the nation's political progress and development.

Early life and military career

Hussain Muhammad Ershad was born in Rangpur in 1930. He graduated from the University of Dhaka in 1950 and was commissioned into the Pakistan Army in 1952. Between 1960 and 1962, he was an adjutant in the East Bengal regimental depot in Chittagong. He also completed advanced courses from the Command and Staff College in Quetta in 1966. After a brief period serving with a brigade in Sialkot, he was given command of the 3rd East Bengal Regiment in 1969 and the 7th East Bengal Regiment in 1971. During the Bangladesh War of Independence, he was interned along with other Bengali officers stationed in West Pakistan at the outbreak of the 1971 Liberation War and repatriated to Bangladesh in 1973 in accordance with the Simla Agreement between India's Indira Gandhi and Pakistan's Zulfiquar Ali Bhutto.

He arrived back to his homeland—the new state of Bangladesh in 1973, and was appointed Adjutant General of the Bangladesh Army by Prime Minister Sheikh Mukibir Rahman. After attending advanced military courses in India, Ershad was appointed Deputy chief of army Staff in 1975 by Major General Ziaur Rahman when he became the chief martial law administrator (CMLA) following Justice Sayem's elevation to the presidency on November 19, 1976.

Ershad remained loyal to Ziaur Rahman. Major General Zia had been appointed Army Chief by President Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad after the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country's founding leader, on August 15, 1975, as the country headed towards authoritarian, single-party rule. Although Major General Zia was overthrown in a counter-coup on November 3, he was restored to power in a coup led by Col. Abu Taher on November 7. When Ziaur Rahman assumed the presidency after Sayem's retirement due to ill health he appointed H M Ershad as the new Chief of Army Staff, promoting him to the rank of Lieutenant General. Viewed as a professional soldier with no political aspiration because of his imprisonment during the Independence War in former West Pakistan and having a talent for Bengali speech writing, he soon became Zia's closest politico-military counselor.

The Presidency

After the assassination of Ziaur Rahman on May 30, 1981 Ershad supported Abdus Sattar, the Vice-President who succeeded Zia as President and ordered the army to suppress the coup attempt of Zia's associates, allegedly led by Major General Abul Monjur. It is widely speculated that Monjur was used as a scapegoat and that Ershad himself was behind the liquidation of President Zia. Ershad however maintained loyalty to the new president Abdus Sattar, who led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party to victory in elections in 1982. H M Ershad even allotted a house to Mrs. Khaleda Zia and her two sons when he took over as Chief Martial Law Administrator. Chowdhury speculates that Ershad wanted to assume power but decided to bide his time. Zia was popular, having reintroduced multi-party democracy and although less charismatic Sattar was respected and even admired. Chowdhury says that Ershad instead began to demand an increased political role for the military. He began to claim that the politicians were corrupt and were "ruing the country."[1]

Under pressure from high-ranking army commanders for the military to take over the reins of state, Ershad toppled President Sattar in a bloodless coup on March 24, 1982 and proclaimed himself Chief Martial Law Administrator (CMLA) with Justice A. F. M. Ahsanuddin Choudury as nominal President. Ershad took over as president on December 11, 1983. From the start, Ershad was regarded as an usurper. Opposition began as early as December 1982, when Ershad announced his preference for Shari'ah law. On March 14, 1983, Khaleda Zia of the BNP and Sheikh Hasina of the Awami League were both arrested. They were released on March 1. In March 1985, Ershad held a referendum on his presidency, claiming a "positive vote of 94.15 percent."[2] Allegations of election fraud were rampant throughout Ershad's presidency.[3] Two months later, in a largely uncontested election for local council chairs, Ershad's newly created Jatyo Party swept the board. In January, 1986 he lifted restrictions on political parties and announced a parliamentary election. This was held later that year but due to irregularities some constituencies repolling took place. The BNP boycotted but the Awami League contested seats and won 76. Jatyo won 153. Smaller parties won 39 and independents won a total of 32. The third largest party was the Jamaat-i-Islam with 10. 5 seats went to the communists. Sheikh Hasina became official leader of the opposition but rarely attended parliament, which was by-passed by Ershad whenever possible. His system of governance relied on the secretaries of the various ministries with "little political consultation with the ministers."[4] Three measures that parliament did ratify were especially controversial. In August 1986, Ershad resigned as Army Chief of Staff in order to stand for election as president. This time, both the main opposition parties boycotted the October 15 election, which Ershad easily won against two insignificant candidates. In November 1986, parliament voted to legalize Ershad's presidency from his assumption of power.

Two controversial measures did gain parliamentary approval, however. In July 1987, an Act gave the military representation on local councils. In June, 1988 the constitution was amended to establish Islam as the state religion, abandoning state secularism. This was mainly to strengthen Bangladesh's standing in the Muslim World, not in response to any popular expression of support for this constitutional change. In fact, opposition came from a broad spectrum, including women, the main opposition parties and non-Muslim Bangladeshis. Late 1988 early 1989 saw some of the worst floods on record, and political activity took second place to relief work. Ershad has been praised for his efficient handling of this emergency.[5]

Achievements

Ershad's regime is remembered as the longest autocratic rule in Bangladesh. There was violence, Human rights abuse and corruption during his tenure. However, he did oversee some positive developments. In several areas, he continued the policies of the previous regime, including encouraging private business, foreign aid and investment and land reform.[6] He established the Ministry of Land to deal with disputes about ownership and to extend ownership to the landless. In encouraging privatization, he helped meet requirements from the IMF and was praised by the World Bank.[7] In October 1983, he visited [[Ronald Reagan] securing continued aid.

His reorganization of local governance proved popular, creating upazilas to replace the much larger Districts, each with an elected council.

During Ershad's rule, the construction of the Jamuna Bridge connecting the country's north and south together, was started. The Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge Authority (JMBA) was set up by an ordinance promulgated by the President on July 3 1985 to implement the project. For mobilization of domestic resources, another ordinance was promulgated by which a Jamuna Bridge surcharge and levy were introduced. A total of Tk 5.08 billion was mobilized in the process till its abolition.

Ershad stabilized the Bangladesh Armed Forces which was facing a series of Coups and counter Coups ever since its emergence as a nation in 1971. He sent Bangladeshi soldiers on UN peace-keeping missions for the first time.

In March 1989, his administration passed legislation creating autonomous, elected district councils in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. For decades, disputes between the Hill Tract ethnic groups, mainly Buddhist and Bengalis had caused civil unrest.

Ershad's 18-point development program was similar to Zia's 19-point plan. This included ending poverty, making health care accessible to all citizens, extending micro-credit, decentralization of the administration and increasing agricultural output.[8]

The downfall

By December 1987, the Awami League had resigned from Parliament, which was then dissolved. In November, 1987 a strike shut Dhakka down and Ershad declared a state of emergency. Both the BNP and the Awami League boycotted the election of March 3, 1998. The Jatyo won 252 seats but the "election was meaningless" due to lack of participation by the main parties.[9] Increasingly, the NBP and the Awami League cooperated in opposition, joined by labor unions and by student organizations as well as Jamaat-i-Islami Bangladesh and other parties. The strikes and protests called by the opposition groups paralyzed the state and its economy. Informed by senior military officers that they were no longer prepared to keep him in power, Ershad resigned on December 6, 1990.[7] Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed was appointed acting president and a "caretaker" government was formed to supervise a fair and free election. Ershad was arrested on corruption charges.

Corruption charges and imprisonment

Ershad faced a range of charges. Some have been dropped. He has been acquitted on several and found guilty of several. In July 1995, he was found guilty of ordering flood rescue craft from a Japanese company when their bid was not the lowest and sentenced to three years in prison. He was found guilty of illegally possessing and benefiting from state owned land and sentenced to seven years, later reduced to five on appeal.[10] In 2006, he was sentenced to two more years in jail for corruption.[11]

Later political career

Although anti-Ershad sentiment was strong, H M Ershad was allowed to contest the 1991 election from jail. His party won all 5 constituencies which it contested from. Khaleda Zia's BNP won and she became Bangladesh's first woman Prime Minister. The constitution was amended to vest power in a Prime Minister in parliament, making the President, appointed by Parliament, a mainly ceremonial post. The role of a caretaker government between the end of one term and the next election was also formalized.

In the 1996 elections, Ershad again won election from jail, aligning his party with the Awami League, which won, against the BNP. Sheikh Hasina took up office as Bangladesh's second woman Prime Minister. On June 30, 2007, Ershad stepped down temporarily from the post of Party Chairman, indicating an end to his political career. It is speculated that he stepped down under pressure as the Caretaker Government started a series of prosecution and arrest for corruption and criminal charges against political leaders of Awami League and BNP]] including Sheikh Hasina, Khaleda Zia, and her son Tareq Rahman, among others.[12]

However on April 8, 2008, Ershad took charge of his Jatiya Party once again. On November 19, 2008, Jatiya Party and Awami League agreed to contest the elections jointly under the Caretaker Government to be held on December 29, 2008. Thus, the Grand Alliance emerged in Bangladesh.

The 2014 election was controversial for the Jatiya Party when Ershad's spokesperson Bobby Hajjaj publicly declared they would not participate in the election. After the 2014 election, Ershad became the special envoy of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the Bangladesh Awami League led government. Jatiya Party became the opposition party and Raushan Ershad, Ershad's wife, became the leader of the opposition.[13] In January 2016, Ershad's brother, GM Quader, was made the vice chairman of the party.[14] In April 2016, Ershad appointed Raushan as the vice-chair of the party.[15]

Personal life

Hussain Mohammad Ershad was married to Raushan Ershad, and they adopted a son and a daughter. He also had a son from his second wife, Bidisha Ershad.

H.M. Ershad was allegedly married three times. A woman named Marieum Mumtaz claimed she had secretly married Ershad on August 14, 1982. In June 1990, she filed a suit against Ershad in the United States, seeking dissolution of marriage.[16]

His eldest son Shad Ershad had his share of misfortune too, when he tried to help a mentally ill girl who ran away from home. The girl's father filed a missing person's case, however the government pressured to pursue the case when it was discovered he was with the Former President's son to discredit him.[17]

Ershad became infamous for extra-marital affairs, which were on the cover of every newspaper in the country soon after his downfall, and continuing till 2006.

His marriage with Bidisha ended in a bitter divorce and sedition charges brought by the BNP Government against Bidisha.[18] H. M. Ershad divorced her for allegedly hiding her first marriage which still was not annulled at the time of their marriage.[19]

His wife and former first lady of Bangladesh Mrs. Raushan Ershad always stayed by his side despite his infidelity. She was the acting Chairperson when Ershad was in prison, and became the leader a rival faction of Jatiya Party. Raushan Ershad was also elected as a Member of Parliament thrice in the elections of 1991, 1996, and 2001.

Ershad was admitted to Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka on June 26, 2019 and again on June 29 after his condition suddenly deteriorated. He died on July 14, 2019. His state funeral was held two days later.[20]

Legacy

Ershad served the longest presidential term and is the first former president of Bangladesh to have been sentenced to prison. Ahmed comments on the difference between Zia and Ershad; while Zia's transformation from military dictator to civilian president was largely successful, Ershad failed to make the transition. Zia won the support of the youth, Ershad alienated them and although he tried hard he could not shake the image of being an "oppressive ruler." He is widely regarded as a usurper who toppled Sattar's elected government and set democracy back, especially by privileging the military.[21] Yet, says Ahmed, he enjoyed some popularity, winning seats from jail. Corruption charges against politicians are commonplace in Bangladesh; both Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina faced corruption allegations. Chowdhury points out how once the military have seized power in Bangladesh, they are reluctant to relinquish this and that despite some progress under military rule, civilian rule has proved better for "social progress, economic and political development."[22] Choudhury describes that his regime as the most corrupt in the history of Bangladesh and says that he took vote rigging to a new level.[23] Progress, she says, was minimal and the damage caused by "the absence of democratization."[24]

Ershad was honored by the United Nations twice as a United Nations Laureate during his presidency:

  • UN Population Award (1987)[25]
  • in recognition of the campaign for an international convention on the protection and conservation of climate, and other contributions (1990).[26]

Notes

  1. ↑ Mahfuzul H. Chowdhury, Democratization in South Asia: Lessons from American Institutions (Burlington, VT: Ashgate, 2003, ISBN 9780754634232), 38.
  2. ↑ Craig Baxter, Bangladesh: From a Nation to a State (Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1998, ISBN 9780813328546), 112.
  3. ↑ Chowdhury, 39.
  4. ↑ Baxter, 113.
  5. ↑ Salahuddin Ahmed, Bangladesh: Past and Present (New Delhi, IN: A.P.H. Pub. Corp., 2004, ISBN 9788176484695), 229.
  6. ↑ Ahmed, 229-230; Chowhdury, 39.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Baxter, 115.
  8. ↑ Chowdhury, 168.
  9. ↑ Baxter, 114.
  10. ↑ Ahmed, 230-231.
  11. ↑ Jail Sentence for General Ershad BBC, December 14, 2006. Retrieved December 9, 2019.
  12. ↑ BBC Khaleda Zia's son is refused bail. BBC, March 13, 2007. Retrieved December 9, 2019.
  13. ↑ New High Court bench assigned to hear Ershad's appeal in 1991 graft case bdnews24.com, March 27, 2017. Retrieved December 9, 2019.
  14. ↑ Ershad makes brother GM Quader Jatiya Party co-chairman bdnews24.com, January 17, 2016. Retrieved December 9, 2019.
  15. ↑ Ershad makes Raushon senior co-chairman of Jatiya Party bdnews24.com, April 28, 2016. Retrieved December 9, 2019.
  16. ↑ Farid Hossain, After President's Fall, Quiet Gossip Goes Public Associated Press, December 29, 1990. Retrieved December 9, 2019.
  17. ↑ David Chazan, Ex Bangladesh Leader Fights for Son BBC, March 5, 2000. Retrieved December 9, 2019.
  18. ↑ The Story Behind Bidisha's Arrest Star Weekend Magazine, June 17, 2005. Retrieved December 9, 2019.
  19. ↑ Waliur Rahman, Ex-Bangladesh ruler's wife bailed BBC, Jun3 27, 2005. Retrieved December 9, 2019.
  20. ↑ State funeral for Bangladesh's former President Ershad Al Jazeera, July 16, 2019. Retrieved December 6, 2019.
  21. ↑ Ahmed, 229.
  22. ↑ Chowdhury, 127; 53.
  23. ↑ Chowdhury, 37.
  24. ↑ Chowdhury, 39.
  25. ↑ Award Laureates United Nations Population Fund. Retrieved December 9, 2019.
  26. ↑ Adult Award Winner in 1990 Global 500 Forum. Retrieved December 9, 2019

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Ahmed, Salahuddin. Bangladesh: Past and Present. New Delhi, IN: A.P.H. Pub. Corp., 2004. ISBN 9788176484695.
  • Baxter, Craig. Bangladesh: From a Nation to a State. Nations of the Modern World. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1998. ISBN 9780813328546.
  • Chakravarti, S.R. Bangladesh Uunder Mujib, Zia, and Ershad: Dilemma of a New Nation. New Delhi, IN: Har-Anand Publications, 1995. ISBN 9788124103098.
  • Chowdhury, Mahfuzul H. Democratization in South Asia: Lessons from American Institutions. Burlington, VT: Ashgate, 2003. ISBN 9780754634232.
  • Khan, Manzur Rashid. Fall of Ershad and Rule of Shahabuddin. Dhaka, BD: Agamee Prakashani, 2000. ISBN 9789844014404.
  • Matīna, Ābadula. Ershad's Election Fraud. Bangladesh political scene, no. 3. London, UK: Radical Asia Publications, 1986. ISBN 9780907546054.
  • Matīna, Ābadula. Bangladesh Dictator Unmasked: Ershad Shows Contempt for the Electorate. Bangladesh political scene, no. 5. London, UK: Radical Asia Publications, 1988. ISBN 9780907546085.
  • Ziring, Lawrence. Bangladesh: From Mujib to Ershad: An Interpretive Study. Karachi, PK: Oxford University Press, 1992. ISBN 9780195774207.

External links

All links retrieved December 6, 2019.

Preceded by:
Lt. Gen. Ziaur Rahman 		Chiefs of Army Staff, Bangladesh
 Succeeded by:
Lt. Gen. Atiqur Rahman
Preceded by:
Abdus Sattar 		President of Bangladesh
March 24 1982–27 March 27 1982 		Succeeded by:
A.F.M. Ahsanuddin Chowdhury
Preceded by:
A.F.M. Ahsanuddin Chowdhury 		President of Bangladesh
December 11 1983–6 December 6 1990 		Succeeded by:
Shahabuddin Ahmed

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