 Gen Ershad ruled for eight years after seizing power in 1982 |
Police in northern Bangladesh have used tear gas to disperse protests by supporters of former military ruler Gen Hussein Muhammad Ershad. Supporters of the former ruler rallied in Rangpur town to protest at the rejection of his nomination papers for next month's general election.
Local television reports say that 50 people have been hurt in the violence.
Election officials say that Ershad is ineligible for the polls because of a conviction for corruption.
An eyewitness told Reuters: "It has been a running battle with protestors attacking government offices and vehicles."
Alliance politics
On Wednesday the Election Commission refused Gen Ershad's Jatiya Party permission to contest parliamentary seats in five districts.
The Jatiya Party was the third largest party in the last parliament.
It is currently part of a 14-party opposition alliance led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of the Awami League.
The last prime minister, Khaleda Zia, handed power in October to a caretaker government led by President Iajuddin Ahmed 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.
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