DHAKA, Bangladesh

Former military ruler of Bangladesh and also the opposition leader in the parliament HM Ershad died on Sunday at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka. 

The former dictator and chairman of the opposition party in parliament, Jatiya Party, passed away at the age of 89 after suffering from various illnesses including low hemoglobin, kidney and liver problem, high bilirubin and serious keen pain.

HM Ershad died in the morning at around 7.45 am (local time), the Jatiya Party and Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) formally said in media statements.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed morn at the death of leader of the opposition in parliament and expressed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members, reported United News of Bangladesh (UNB).

HM Ershadhad been admitted to hospital in June and was undergoing treatment at the intensive care unit of the military hospital. He went on life support from June 30.

The former military ruler came to power in 1982 and declared himself the president in 1983, and later formed his Jatiya Party.

After he lost the state power in mass agitation in 1990, he was arrested in 1991 and got released in 1997.

Ershad’s party, the key partner of the ruling party Awami League, had grand alliance in the 10th and 11th parliament.