 Gen Ershad and allies describe the ban as a 'conspiracy' |
Bangladesh's former military ruler, Gen Hussein Muhammad Ershad, has appealed against the decision to ban him from contesting next month's elections. On Wednesday, the Election Commission refused Gen Ershad's Jatiya Party permission to contest parliamentary seats in five districts.
The Party's secretary general said he hoped the commission would consider the appeal in a "truly democratic spirit".
About 50 people were injured in protests against the ban on Thursday.
The Election Commission ruled that Gen Ershad was ineligible to contest elections because of his conviction for corruption.
But Gen Ershad and his ally, the former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League, allege that the ban is politically motivated.
'Democratic spirit'
Lawyers for Gen Ershad have submitted petitions to the Election Commission calling on it to reverse its ban.
Ruhul Amin Hawlader, secretary general of the Jatiya Party said: "We hope the commission will consider the appeal in a truly democratic spirit and find a legal way to allow him to contest the poll."
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.
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
