Hussain Muhammad Ershad (Former President)

Hussain Muhammad Ershad

• Born: February 1, 1930, Dinhata, West Bengal, British India (now India)
• Died: July 14, 2021, Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Role: Military Officer, Politician, Former President of Bangladesh
• Key Contributions:
  • Military Career: Hussain Muhammad Ershad joined the East Pakistan Army in 1952 and rose through the ranks to become a Major General. He was known for his organizational skills and military leadership during his service.
  • Seizing Power: Ershad came to power in a bloodless coup on March 24, 1982, ousting the elected government of President Abdus Sattar. He declared martial law and positioned himself as Chief Martial Law Administrator, later assuming the presidency.
  • Constitutional Changes: During his presidency, Ershad introduced several constitutional amendments, including the restoration of the presidential system. He also aimed to legitimize his rule by holding elections in 1986, which were marred by accusations of fraud and rigging.
  • Economic Reforms: Ershad’s government implemented various economic reforms, focusing on agriculture, rural development, and infrastructure projects. He promoted private sector growth and aimed to attract foreign investment, but his policies faced criticism for lacking transparency.
  • Controversial Governance: His regime faced widespread protests and opposition from various political parties, particularly the Awami League and the BNP. Human rights abuses and suppression of political dissent marked his rule, leading to significant civil unrest.
  • Downfall and Transition to Democracy: Facing increasing pressure from opposition movements, Ershad resigned on December 6, 1990, paving the way for a transition to a democratic government. His resignation marked the end of military rule in Bangladesh.
  • Post-Presidency: After leaving office, Ershad remained active in politics and returned to power as the leader of the Jatiya Party, becoming a member of parliament in the 1991 elections. He continued to play a significant role in Bangladeshi politics until his death in 2021.
• Legacy: Hussain Muhammad Ershad’s legacy is mixed. While he is credited with some economic initiatives and infrastructural developments, his rule is often remembered for its authoritarian nature and suppression of democratic norms.
• Famous Quote: “We must make the country self-reliant and capable of standing on its own feet.”