The World - News from Dec. 16, 1985

Bangladesh President Hussain Mohammed Ershad said in a broadcast that his martial-law regime will lift a 10-month ban on opposition political demonstrations Jan. 1. He also repeated his vow to restore democracy and hold national elections as soon as possible. In a good-will gesture, the government also announced that today it will release 116 people under detention or awaiting trial. Opposition groups, however, described the moves as inadequate and vowed to proceed with protest plans.