Sheikh Hasina, the former prime leader of Bangladesh, is expected to come home after the interim administration declares new elections, according to her son.

After millions of people flocked to the streets of Dhaka and marched toward Ms. Hasina's official residence, demanding her resignation, the 76-year-old leader fled to India, ending her 15-year reign.

Wazed Sajeeb Joy, Ms. Hasina's US-based son, stated that his mother was in India but that he would return "to Bangladesh the moment the interim government decides to hold an election". Mr. Joy told the Times of India, "My mother would have retired from politics after the current term."

Three months from now, a new general election is demanded by the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

"I was a US citizen who never aspired to politics. However, recent events in Bangladesh indicate that there is a lack of leadership. For the benefit of the party, I had to become involved, and now I lead the charge," Mr. Joy remarked.

Only a few hours have passed since Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus assumed office as chairman of Bangladesh's provisional administration.

In front of diplomats, prominent businesspeople, members of the former opposition party, and members of civil society, the figurehead president Mohammed Shahabuddin gave Mr. Yunus the oath necessary for his position as chief adviser, which is the equivalent of a prime minister. This event took place at the presidential palace in Dhaka.

No representatives of Ms Hasina's Awami League party were present.

Mr Yunus, 84, an economist credited with pioneering microlending, upon his arrival in Dhaka said his priority would be to restore order. "Bangladesh is a family. We have to unite it," Mr Yunus said, flanked by student leaders. "It has immense possibilities."

"Bangladesh has created a new victory day," he told reporters on Thursday. "Bangladesh has got a second independence."

The newly-appointed Home Ministry adviser Retired Brig Gen M Sakhawat Hossain on Friday said the interim government's first priority would be to improve law and order and bring the police back.

There has been concern about the rise in targeted violence against the minority Hindus and routine arson.

Brig Gen Hossain told Reuters the administration was "very concerned" about reports of vandalism and attacks on minorities, adding that some were "slightly exaggerated".

"Yes, there is a problem because law enforcement agencies are not there," he said. "They have to be given confidence so that they can come back."

Police across the South Asian country of 170 million people have been off duty and in disarray since Ms Hasina abruptly resigned following the wave of student-led protests that turned violent.

Police stations have been deserted by officers, with students and volunteers forming groups to patrol neighbourhoods in the capital and manage traffic on the streets.

The protest against government job reservation for war heroes turned into a mass uprising after more than 300 demonstrators were killed in a police crackdown in July. But Ms Hasina’s resignation did not put an end to the rampage.

At least 232 people have been killed since she escaped on Monday, taking the death toll in the protests to 560, according to Bangladeshi daily Prothom Alo.

The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking news brand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. We have grown a huge, global readership of independently minded individuals, who value our trusted voice and commitment to positive change. Our mission, making change happen, has never been as important as it is today.