Sikri’s comments come at a time when diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh are escalating over the recent arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das—a Hindu monk and spokesperson for a Hindu organisation—on sedition charges.
According to Sikri, the law and order situation in Bangladesh appears to be deteriorating, with the government struggling to ensure the safety of its citizens, particularly those belonging to religious minorities. She also pointed out that when former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country in August, attacks on minority communities escalated, leading to widespread fear and unrest in India.
“On August 5, the day Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left the country, the first attacks were launched against the Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian minorities. These incidents have continued,” Sikri stated, recalling the reassurances made by Bangladeshi authorities at that time. Despite assurances from key figures like Professor Muhammad Yunus, Sikri emphasised that the situation has not improved, and incidents such as the vandalism of idols and attacks on temples have persisted.
Das was accused of disrespecting the Bangladeshi flag, allegedly placing the Sanatan flag over it. However, as Su Shoaib Choudhury, editor of Blitz, pointed out, the flag in question was not the national flag of Bangladesh, debunking claims of disrespect.
Choudhury, argued that the case was politically motivated, filed not by the government but by a leader of BNP. He further highlighted that since Das’s arrest, there have been violent attacks on Hindu homes and temples and growing anti-India sentiment in the country, mainly fuelled by Islamist groups.
While Bangladesh’s government has repeatedly stressed its commitment to upholding communal harmony and maintaining judicial independence, India has made it clear that it expects the protection of religious minorities as a fundamental responsibility of the Bangladeshi state.
Watch the accompanying video for the entire discussion.
