WORLD : Ex-Bangladesh President Held
DHAKA, Bangladesh — Police and soldiers arrested ousted Bangladesh President Hussain Mohammed Ershad and his wife today, and the government said he would face trial on charges ranging from gold smuggling to plundering money from the nation.
Police launched a manhunt for 13 former ministers in Ershad’s Cabinet after acting President Shahabuddin Ahmed ordered their arrests, officials said.
Ershad, who seized power in a 1982 military coup, was arrested with his wife in Dhaka’s military garrison area, where he had been living since his resignation last week.
As reports of the arrest spread, curious Dhaka residents lined roads to the army headquarters. They were disappointed as the fallen general had been whisked away hours earlier.
“I wish I could see the shame-faced dictator,” said one young man standing outside the garrison.
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