Bangladesh ex-ruler appeals against election ban

DHAKA, Dec 29 (Reuters) Former army ruler Hossain Mohammad Ershad appealed today against the Bangladesh Election Commission's decision to ban him from contesting next month's parliamentary elections.

Ershad's lawyers submitted petitions to the commission, requesting it reverse its decision to reject his nomination due to legal troubles he faces over corruption charges, and instead declare him a valid candidate for the January 22 election.

''We hope the commission will consider the appeal in a truly democratic spirit and find a legal way to allow him to contest the poll,'' said Ruhul Amin Hawlader, secretary-general of Ershad's Jatiya Party.

Around 50 people were injured yesterday when angry Ershad supporters battled with police in northern Bangladesh.

Ershad is allied with former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League, the main opposition party for the past five years to Begum Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh National Party (BNP).

Speaking at a news conference, also attended by Ershad, Hasina said the rejection of Ershad's poll nomination was illegal.

She called for a countrywide transport blockade on January 7 and 8 to force the interim government to prepare a ''flawless voters' list'' and create a congenial atmosphere for a free and fair election.

Hasina said she and her allies were ready to contest the vote for the sake of democracy. Ershad made no comment.

At least 45 people have been killed and hundreds injured in clashes between rival activists during previous blockades and other protests.

''We still ask for resignation of President Iajuddin as the head of the caretaker regime because he has failed to prove his neutrality,'' Hasina said.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered Ershad to give himself up and upheld a two-year jail term for squandering state funds while he was in power in a deal to buy patrol boats from Japan.

But Ershad and his allies saw a plot to keep him out of the election race, calling the verdict ''remote-controlled'' and a punishment for his refusal to join forces with Khaleda.

Ershad, who seized power in a bloodless coup in 1982, was ousted in a people's revolt led jointly by Khaleda and Hasina.

The two women, who have alternated as prime minister of the impoverished south Asian country for the past 15 years, fell out after Ershad's overthrow and have been bitter foes ever since. Both are key contenders for power in the upcoming election.

REUTERS PDM HS1857