Hussain Muhammad Ershad, Indian-Bangladeshi general and politician, 10th President of Bangladesh

Hussain Muhammad Ershad (Bengali: হুসেইন মুহাম্মদ এরশাদ), born on 1 February 1930 and passing away on 14 July 2019, was a prominent Bangladeshi military leader and politician. Rising through the ranks to become the Chief of Army Staff, he ultimately served as the President of Bangladesh from 1983 to 1990, a period frequently characterized by critics and historians alike as a military dictatorship due to the circumstances of his ascent to power and the nature of his rule.

The Ascent to Power: A Coup and Controversial Election

Ershad's journey to the presidency began on 24 March 1982 when, as the then Chief of Army Staff, he orchestrated a bloodless coup d'état against the democratically elected President Abdus Sattar. This swift military takeover saw the immediate imposition of martial law across the nation and the suspension of the Constitution, effectively seizing state power. Though initially serving as the Chief Martial Law Administrator, he declared himself President in December 1983. His consolidation of power was further cemented, albeit controversially, by the 1986 Bangladeshi presidential election. Despite official claims of a legitimate victory in this election, it was widely contested and boycotted by major opposition parties, leading to accusations of widespread rigging and further reinforcing the perception of his regime as an era of military rule rather than a truly democratic government.

Key Policies and National Development During Ershad's Presidency

During his seven-year tenure as President, Ershad initiated several significant policy changes and development projects that left a lasting impact on Bangladesh, though often framed within the context of an authoritarian rule.

Economic Reforms and Infrastructure Growth

His administration pursued notable economic devolution reforms, most prominently the introduction of the Upazila system, which aimed to decentralize governance and bring administrative services closer to the rural population. Furthermore, Ershad championed the privatization of various nationalized industries, a move intended to stimulate economic growth and efficiency by shifting away from state-controlled enterprises towards a more market-oriented economy. Significant investment was also directed towards expanding the national highway system, which substantially improved connectivity and facilitated trade and transportation across the country. These initiatives collectively contributed to developments in infrastructure and socio-economic growth, particularly through the divestment of key nationalized industries.

Foreign Policy and Regional Diplomacy

In the realm of foreign policy, Ershad's leadership saw Bangladesh play a pivotal role in the founding of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in 1985. SAARC was established with the objective of fostering regional cooperation in economic, social, and cultural fields among the nations of South Asia. Bangladesh's commitment to international relations was also evident in its decision to commit national forces as an ally to the United States during the Gulf War, aligning the country with the global coalition against Iraq.

Constitutional and Religious Changes

A highly controversial decision made under Ershad's presidency was the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution in 1988, which officially declared Islam as the state religion of Bangladesh. This move represented a sharp departure from Bangladesh's original 1972 secular constitution, which had enshrined secularism as one of its fundamental principles. This amendment sparked considerable debate and criticism, raising questions about the nation's foundational secular identity.

International Recognition

Despite the domestic political controversies, Ershad's government received international acclaim for its efforts in specific areas. In 1987, he was awarded the prestigious United Nations' Population Award in recognition of his significant contributions to population control initiatives and environmental issues, particularly the government's emphasis on family planning programs.

The Downfall and Post-Presidency Political Career

Ershad's rule came to an end in 1990 when he was ultimately forced to resign from the presidential office. This resignation followed a powerful and widespread popular pro-democracy mass uprising across Bangladesh, which mobilized significant public discontent against his authoritarian regime. The movement was notably spearheaded by two of Bangladesh's most prominent political figures, Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina, who would both later serve multiple terms as Prime Minister. Following his resignation, Ershad remained a significant force in Bangladeshi politics. In 1986, while still President, he had founded the Jatiya Party, a centrist political party. Demonstrating his enduring political influence, he successfully became a Member of Parliament for the constituency of Rangpur-3 in the 1991 general elections, and remarkably, secured re-election in all subsequent general elections until his passing.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hussain Muhammad Ershad

When did Hussain Muhammad Ershad serve as President of Bangladesh?

Hussain Muhammad Ershad served as the President of Bangladesh from 1983 to 1990.

How did Ershad come to power?

He seized power through a bloodless military coup on 24 March 1982, imposing martial law and suspending the Constitution, before declaring himself President in 1983.

Why was his 1986 election controversial?

The 1986 presidential election was widely considered controversial due to allegations of rigging and a boycott by major opposition parties, leading many to view his regime as a military dictatorship despite official claims of legitimacy.

What major policy changes did Ershad introduce?

Key policies included devolution reforms (like the Upazila system), privatization of nationalized industries, expansion of the national highway system, and the controversial amendment to make Islam the state religion in 1988.

How did Ershad's presidency end?

He was forced to resign in 1990 following a popular pro-democracy mass uprising led by opposition leaders Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina.

What was the Jatiya Party?

The Jatiya Party is a political party founded by Hussain Muhammad Ershad in 1986. He continued to serve as its chairman and a Member of Parliament after his presidency.