‘We Condemn Instances of Violence’: US Amid Row Over Tulsi Gabbard’s Remarks Against Bangladesh

Dhaka: After a controversy erupted over US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s remarks on the religious persecution of minorities in Bangladesh , the White House stated that it welcomes the measures taken by the South Asian nation’s interim government to ensure safety.

In a press briefing, US Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce condemned instances of violence against minorities in any country and stated that they are closely monitoring the steps taken by the Yunus government.

“We condemn any instances of violence or intolerance directed toward members of minority communities in any country and have welcomed measures taken by Bangladesh’s interim government to ensure safety and security for all in Bangladesh. That’s what we’re watching. That’s what we expect. And that is what will continue,” Bruce said.

Gabbard’s recent comments during an interview with an Indian news channel sparked debate after she linked violence against minorities in Bangladesh to an “Islamist Caliphate.”

She explained the ideology of certain countries that aim to rule through an “Islamist Caliphate” and how extremist elements have influenced various nations.

She further stated that despite discussions between US President Donald Trump and the Muhammad Yunus government, Islamic terrorism remains a “central focus of concern.”

Also Read: What's The Controversy Over Tulsi Gabbard's 'Islamic Caliphate' Remark Amid Violence Against Bangladesh Hindus

Bangladesh Expresses Deep Concerns

In a statement, the Bangladesh Chief Adviser’s office expressed concern and distress over Gabbard’s remarks, calling them “misleading” and “damaging” to the country’s image.

“We note with deep concern and distress the remarks made by DNI Tulsi Gabbard, in which she alleged ‘persecution and killing’ of religious minorities in Bangladesh and claimed that ‘the threat of Islamic terrorists’ in the country is ‘rooted’ in the ideology and objective to ‘rule and govern with an Islamist Caliphate.’”

The statement added: “This statement is both misleading and damaging to the image and reputation of Bangladesh, a nation whose traditional practice of Islam has been famously inclusive and peaceful, and which has made remarkable strides in its fight against extremism and terrorism,” Bangladesh’s interim government said in a statement late on Monday.

Further condemning Gabbard’s remarks, the Bangladesh government stated that her comments were not based on any evidence and painted the entire nation with an unjustified brush.

“Gabbard’s comments are not based on any evidence or specific allegations. They paint an entire nation with a broad and unjustified brush. Bangladesh, like many countries around the world, has faced challenges of extremism, but it has continuously worked in partnership with the international community, including the US, to address these issues through law enforcement, social reforms, and other counterterrorism efforts,” the statement read.

The statement reiterated that Bangladesh remains committed to combating extremism in collaboration with the international community and the US.