An Iranian politician. Banisadr joined the national party of Dr. Mussadaq. He was arrested in 1961 and again in 1964. After the return of Imam Khomnei from his exile in France, he also came along with him to Tehran in 1979 and became the first foreign minister of the new republic, before becoming the first president of the Iranian republic after 1980. He was removed from the office in 1981 after differences with Prime Minister Rajai. Bani went to France where he was given asylum. He was born at Hamdan,