Dhaka, don't duck responsibilities

'Minorities must be protected.' After this unequivocal message was delivered on Monday by foreign secretary Vikram Misri to Muhammad Yunus-led interim Bangladesh government, a day later Dhaka finally acknowledged '88 incidents' of hate crimes against minorities, mainly Hindus. The pressure on Dhaka to get its act together before things go out of control - as such matters are wont to - comes at a timely juncture. Britain and EU have also raised this issue in their congress and parliament respectively, adding to the heft of international concern. Bangladesh should realise it cannot treat this loud and clear message lightly.

An administration led by a Nobel Peace Prize-winner needs to guarantee peace for the country's minority population, instead of letting a dangerous majoritarianism creep in. Countries with large Bangladeshi immigrant populations like Britain and Italy are right to be concerned. A backlash against Bangladeshi-origin citizens of these countries cannot be an option. Hindus, who comprise the bulk of Bangladesh's roughly 8% minority population, need to feel secure. That Dhaka has articulated that the 'number of cases and arrests is likely to increase' as new incidents of violence have been reported across the country is a start. Action must follow words.

India has, since the formation of Bangladesh, been a reliable partner for its development. The mutually beneficial relationship contributed to Bangladesh's graduation from the LDC category, this apart from the support provided to help tide over its recent economic slowdown and the pandemic. New Delhi is committed to a peaceful, stable neighbourhood and Bay of Bengal region. Dhaka must ensure minority protection, as any democracy wishing to be taken seriously must.