New Delhi, Dec. 19 -- Bangladesh's interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has reportedly issued its first formal response to the unrest gripping the country, strongly condemning mob violence and warning that continued lawlessness could imperil the nation's fragile democratic transition.

In a statement released on Friday, and quoted by news agency ANI, the interim administration called on citizens to resist intimidation, arson and the destruction of property, stressing that such actions-carried out by what it described as a small group of fringe elements-risk undermining peace at a critical juncture for the country.

According to ANI report, the Bangladesh government said it "strongly and unequivocally" condemns violence in all its fo...