Former Indian ambassador to Bangladesh, Veena Sikri, has issued a stern warning about the alarming and continuous violence targeting minority communities in the neighbouring nation. In a significant address delivered in Delhi, the seasoned diplomat highlighted a disturbing pattern of attacks that she claims have escalated unchecked.
Wave of Violence Post-Hasina's Departure
Sikri pointed to a specific timeline, alleging that the intensity of assaults on minorities increased sharply immediately after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left Dhaka. According to her account, this violence has persisted without any meaningful restraint from the authorities in power.
The former envoy presented a staggering statistic, claiming that nearly 2,900 separate incidents have been recorded over the past year and a half. These attacks have reportedly targeted a broad spectrum of religious minorities, including Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Sufis, and Ahmadiyyas.
Allegations of Fundamentalist Influence and a Puppet Government
Veena Sikri did not mince words in assigning blame for the deteriorating situation. She accused hardline Islamist groups, specifically naming Jamaat-e-Islami and other fundamentalist forces, of wielding significant influence over the current administration.
In a striking allegation, Sikri claimed that the visible head of the government, Mohammed Yunus, is essentially being used as a "public face" while these extremist elements pull the strings from behind the scenes. She expressed deep concern over the apparent lack of government control to curb the violence, describing the overall scenario as completely unacceptable.
A Call for Stronger Indian and International Response
Concluding her remarks, the former ambassador called for a more robust reaction from India. She stressed that New Delhi must adopt a firmer stance and proactively raise this critical issue on appropriate international platforms to exert pressure and seek accountability.
Sikri's stark assessment, made on January 3, 2026, adds a serious diplomatic dimension to the ongoing reports of minority persecution in Bangladesh, urging for immediate attention and action from the global community.
