In a bid to stop the violence that has left Bangladesh in turmoil, the country's president has named a new interim leader. Former central bank governor Fakhruddin Ahmed is now responsible for holding elections. Iajuddin Ahmed, who remains president, stepped down as interim leader on Thursday and postponed a planned vote for January 22. His resignation follows nearly three months of violent protests in the South Asian nation over claims the poll was being rigged. At least 45 people were killed during the clashes.
The state of emergency declared on Thursday will remain in place, as will tight controls on the media and restrictions on freedom of movement, assembly and speech. But a night-time curfew has been lifted. The impoverished country still faces uncertainty over when the elections will be held. |