Precautionary steps need to be cast-iron THERE cannot be any second opinion that after the riots in Gujarat, a state of maximum alert needs to be maintained throughout Bangladesh. The reactionary elements might fall for fomenting a backlash as if putting a match-stick to the tinder-box of religious passions.

The reasons are fairly compelling therefore for adequate precautions to be put in place against any possible untoward incidents. Professional trouble-mongers and political opportunists adept in the art of rubbing the wrong side of religious sentiments might be already itching to foment trouble. They did so in Bangladesh on some scale in 1990 when the Babri Mosque was pick-axed by Hindu extremists and again in 1992 when it was razed to the ground.

It is reassuring to note however that the government being seized of the gravity of the situation in Ahmedabad that put Muslim-inhabited parts of India on high alert, has moved swiftly here to protect Hindu installations in Bangladesh. The home ministry in a fairly quick reflex has ordered deployment of police guards on the premises of Hindu temples or establishments. It is imperative that in view of the present Indian communal scenario, the government doesn't allow any repeat of the initial indifference to communal sensibilities it had shown in the aftermath of the October 1 general election. As a matter of fact, judging by the expeditious manner in which the government has taken the precautionary steps we have reasons to be optimistic on this count.

However, we would like to see the scope of the vigil broadened. Aside from their physical deployment at the temples, the police, ansar and VDPs will have to maintain close surveillance around the places of worship of all religious minorities, the Christians included. In terms of further details, all minority community concentrations, their establishments, households and business concerns would need to be covered. Intelligence agencies can make that job easier by means of effective forewarnings transmitted to the law enforcers.

At some stage, depending upon how soon calm returns to India it may be worthwhile to have composite committees at the local levels comprising minority community leaders, other community influentials and administration officials as part of the overall precautionary stratagem.

We have the ultimate faith in our people that at all the wards and hamlets of the country they will be our sentinels for sanity, coexistence and peace. Let Bangladesh stand out for its communal harmony.ka