Dhaka, July 14 (TIWN) Former Bangladesh President HM Ershad died in a military hospital here on Sunday due to age-related illnesses. He was 89.

Ershad had long been suffering from multiple complications including infections in his lungs and kidneys, his younger brother, G.M. Quader, said Sunday. He was admitted to the Dhaka military hospital on June 26 and was kept in the intensive care unit. His condition later deteriorated and was placed on life support. 

Ershad ruled the country from 1982 to 1990.  He was the leader of the opposition in current Parliament. He assumed power as the military chief in 1982 and declared himself president the following year. He later floated his own Jatiya Party and won a controversial election in 1986.