Hussain Muhammad Ershad commanded the Bangladesh Army as Chief of Staff from 1978 to 1986 before seizing control of the state through a bloodless military coup in 1982. Over the subsequent eight years, he transformed the political landscape of the nation, eventually assuming the presidency in 1983 and holding the position until his resignation during a popular uprising in 1990.
Military Origins and Training
Born in 1930 at Dinhata, Ershad attended Carmichael College and graduated from the University of Dhaka in 1950. He was commissioned into the Pakistan Army in 1952, completing training at the Officers Training School in Kohat. His military education included studies at the Command and Staff College in Quetta in 1966. During the Bangladesh War of Independence, he remained interned in West Pakistan as a prisoner of war until his 1973 repatriation.
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Following his return, Ershad served as Adjutant General and later as Deputy Chief of Army Staff under Ziaur Rahman. Upon the assassination of Ziaur Rahman in 1981, Ershad maintained government loyalty, suppressing a coup attempt led by Major General Abul Manzur. In March 1982, he ousted President Abdus Sattar as Chief Martial Law Administrator. By December 1983, he formally assumed the office of President of Bangladesh.
Domestic and Religious Policy
During his presidency, Ershad implemented administrative changes including the Upazila and Zila Parishad systems. His tenure saw significant departures from previous policies, notably the 1984 Land Reforms Ordinance and the divestment of nationalised industries. In 1989, he amended the constitution to establish Islam as the state religion. He also founded the Jatiya Party in 1986, which served as his political vehicle for decades.
Later Political Career
Following his resignation in 1990 due to mass protests led by Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina, Ershad transitioned into parliamentary politics. He was elected as a Member of Parliament representing Rangpur-3 in 1991, maintaining a legislative presence through various terms between 1991 and 2019. He served as Leader of the Opposition until his death in 2019 at the age of 89 in Dhaka.
Fast facts
- Born: 1930, Dinhata
- Died: 2019, Dhaka
- Military Rank: Lieutenant General
- President of Bangladesh: 1983-1990
- Chief of Army Staff: 1978-1986
- Education: Carmichael College, University of Dhaka
- Political Party: Jatiya Party
- Citizenship: Pakistan, Bangladesh, British Raj
Questions readers ask
How did Hussain Muhammad Ershad gain control of the government?
He orchestrated a bloodless coup on 24 March 1982 against President Abdus Sattar and installed himself as Chief Martial Law Administrator before becoming president in 1983.
What was his longest-held political role after his presidency?
Ershad served multiple terms as a Member of the Parliament of Bangladesh, first elected in 1991 and continuing his service in various capacities until his death in 2019.
Achievements
- Chief of Army Staff (1978–1986)
- President of Bangladesh (1983–1990)
- Member of the Parliament of Bangladesh (1991–1995)
- Member of the Parliament of Bangladesh (1996–2001)
- Educated at Carmichael College and University of Dhaka
