Dhaka: Bangladesh's former military ruler Hussain Muhammed Ershad has been barred from leaving the country, even as the Army's deployment of troops to improve the law and order situation entered its fifth day on October 22.

Ershad, who ruled Bangladesh for nine years, was refrained from going to Singapore on October 21 night, his deputy press secretary Zahid Hossain said, adding the former President was to go there for his son's treatment.

Ershad himself, however was not available for comment.

The refusal to allow Ershad out of the country came just a day after two former ministers from the Opposition Awami League were detained by the army and not allowed to leave Bangladesh.

Former Minister Saber Choudhary was detained at the airport as he was departing for London, while his party colleague and former Health Minister Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim was arrested from his residence.

Bangladesh's main Opposition party on October 22 called for a general strike to demand the release of its leading politicians.

Prime Minister Khaleda Zia said innocent people should not have to fear the anti- crime drive launched to curb criminal violence, which has been a major political issue.

PTI