News In Brief

Bangladesh's Ershad takes over as president

Bangladesh's military ruler Lt. Gen. H.M. Ershad, who previously said he would never be a president in uniform, installed himself as the country's president Sunday in a surprise move that could stir up increased resentment among groups opposed to martial law.

State-run Bangladesh radio said Ershad had taken over as president after head of state Ahsanuddin Chowdhury resigned.