Ershad's parliamentary seat restored

A court in Bangladesh has ordered parliamentary membership to be restored to the former military ruler, General Ershad while he appeals against parliament's decision to expel him.

The court called on the parliament to explain during that time why its decision should not be declared illegal.

General Ershad's parliamentary seat was taken from him after he was convicted in a corruption case last month.

He's appealing against that as well.

The law bars anyone convicted of corruption from holding a seat in parliament. Though General Ershad can now attend parliament, he did not attend today's --Wednesday's -- session, as he is boycotting parliament as part of an opposition campaign against the govenring Awami League.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service