Bangladesh plans election to replace slain President

Elections will be held Sept. 21 to choose a successor to assassinated President Ziaur Rahman. Acting President Abdus Sattar promised the election would be free and fair and praised the opposition and people in general for their strict adherence to democracy and for upholding the Constitution after President Zia's murder.

Although Mr. Sattar ruled himself out as a candidate because of poor health, commentators believe he has the biggest backing in the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and may change his mind. The second important candidate will come from the opposition Awami League -- and may be its leader, Sheikh Hasina Wazed, daughter of former Presi dent Mujibur Rahman.