Pakistan condoles Ershad's death

Pakistan extended its condolences at the demise of deposed military dictator and Jatiya Party chairman Hussain Muhammad Ershad, reports UNB.

In a statement, the Pakistan Foreign Ministry described Ershad's rule and his position as Jatiya Party chairman as 'important chapters' in the history of Bangladesh.

He also played an important role at the founding summit of SAARC member countries, it said.

"We wish to extend our thoughts and prayers to the bereaved family in this hour of grief.

May Allah grant him highest place in Jannah (heaven)," it added.

Ershad occupied state power in 1982 and ruled with an iron hand. He was finally ousted in 1990 through a mass uprising.

Ershad, the leader of the opposition in Parliament and a five-time MP, died on Sunday morning at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka.

He was buried on Tuesday at Polli Nibash in his hometown Rangpur.