They acted after his nomination to take part in next month's general election was turned down.

Gen Ershad's Jatiya party has also threatened to boycott the poll that is due to be held on 22 January.

Election officials said he was ineligible because of a two-year prison term for corruption.

The election commission said the general could appeal against the ruling within the next three days.

The Jatiya party was the third largest group in the last parliament.

Gen Ershad first decided to join an alliance with Khaleda Zia who completed a five year term as prime minister in October.

But he has since sided with a 14-party grouping, led by Sheikh Hasina of the Awami League.

President Iajuddin Ahmed is running a caretaker government until after the elections.

Gen Ershad seized power in a coup in 1982. He has faced numerous trials for corruption, and has already served five years in jail.