A dovish gesture

Adherence to Md Yunus' call for non-discrimination against religious minorities in Bangladesh is essential to maintain a firm relationship with India-a prerequisite for Bangladesh's economic stability

On the occasion of Janmashtami, Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of Bangladesh's Interim Government, met representatives of his country's Hindu community at a reception he hosted for them and vowed to promote interfaith harmony.

"We will not discriminate against anyone for following a different religion or for having a different political opinion," Yunus said in a televised address to the nation. "We want to include all members of the country into one family."

The outreach by Muhammad Yunus towards the Hindu community should certainly be appreciated. At the same time, it should not be forgotten that words alone are not going to be enough in the prevailing situation.

Bangladesh's interim government must ensure that the police forces maintain the necessary vigil and punish anyone who goes against Yunus' publicly stated commitment.

Muhammad Yunus' assurances to his country's Hindus must be seen against the background of recent events.

There have been reports of widespread attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh who constitute 7 percent of the country's total population. Hindu temples, businesses and homes have been attacked by mobs.

These attacks have taken place because the Hindus have been historically seen as supporting Sheikh Hasina's Awami League party.

The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, a minority rights group, had told AFP on August 16 that there had been 200 attacks on the Hindu community members since the Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina had to leave the country.