News In Brief

Bangladeshi President renews pledge to restore democracy

President Hossain Mohammad Ershad renewed his pledge Wednesday to end martial law and restore democracy, as Bangladesh celebrated the ninth anniversary of a national revolution.

General Ershad last month indefinitely postponed parliamentary elections planned for December after major political groups refused to take part. They want Ershad to end martial law and set up an interim neutral government to ensure free and fair elections - both conditions Ershad has turned down.