NEW DELHI: The Bangladesh Government today [Aug 17] lifted the curfew for 12 hours ...

considering the situation [was] `fast returning to normalcy`, Radio Bangladesh reported. It also said all domestic transport had resumed, including internal flights of Bangladesh Airways. However, international flights in and out of Bangladesh remained suspended for the third day. International communications also were still severed, leaving the Bangladesh Government radio as the only main source of news from the country. The Radio added that the Foreign Office had begun contacting the country`s missions abroad. Meanwhile, Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani has extended his full support to President Khondkar.

[In a related report from Calcutta,] President Khondkar Mushtaq Ahmad ... sent a message of thanks to Prime Minister Bhutto for recognition of his Government, according to Dacca Radio. Pakistan ... became the first country to recognise the new Government in Dacca. In doing so, [PM] Bhutto also appealed to the Islamic and Third World countries to recognise the new regime in Bangladesh. Simultaneously, Mr Bhutto announced afood and cloth giftfor the people of Bangladesh. News agencies