1930 - Military ruler of Bangladesh 1982-90.
He became chief of staff of the Bangladeshi
army 1979 and assumed power in a military
coup 1982. As president from 1983, Ershad
introduced a successful rural-oriented
economic programme. He was re-elected 1986
and lifted martial law, but faced continuing
political opposition, which forced him to
resign in Dec 1990. In Jan 1991 he was
formally charged with corruption in
connection with alleged misappropriation of
arms contract funds, and placed on trial.