B'desh struggles as it limps back to normal

Nobel laureate Prof Mohammad Yunus, the designated head of Bangladesh's interim government, on Wednesday fervently appealed to everybody "to stay calm" and "refrain from all kinds of violence" as the country witnessed a major reshuffle in the security establishment after the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government.

"Let us ensure that we make the best use of this new victory. Let us not lose this victory because of any mistake of ours," said the 84-year-old economist, who is expected to return home from Paris to take charge.

"I appeal to all to remain calm in the current situation, refrain from all forms of violence and destruction." His appeal comes as a top police official called on every member of the police force to resume their duties gradually and maintain law and order in the violence-hit nation, amid reports of attacks on security personnel and their offices.

The Muhammad Yunus-led in interim government Bangladesh will take oath on Thursday, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman said.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, General Waker said the interim government is likely to be sworn in at 8:00 pm on Thursday.

He also said the advisory council may have 15 members.

Yunus, the 84-year-old economist, was on Tuesday appointed as the head of interim President Mohammed government by Shahabuddin, a day after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country.

Students pitch in

With police absent from their duty to keep law and order or manage traffic, students carried out traffic management as volunteers for the second consecutive Wednesday.