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

Washington DC: A fresh row erupted after US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard, who is currently in India, made remarks about violence against minorities in Bangladesh during an interview with a leading TV channel.

Gabbard, during the conversation, alleged that there has been "persecution and killing" of minority communities in the South Asian country and further claimed that the "threat of Islamic terrorists" in Bangladesh is rooted in an ideology aiming to establish an "Islamist caliphate."

“The long-time unfortunate persecution and killing and abuse of religious minorities – Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Catholics and others – has been a major area of concern for the US government and President Trump and his administration. This continues to remain a central focus area of concern...with the threat of Islamist terrorists and...the global effort of these different groups that are rooted in their same ideology, their same objective, which is to rule and govern with an Islamist caliphate.”

Highlighting US President Trump's efforts dedicated to identifying and defeating the ideology behind Islamist terrorism, Gabbard said, "This obviously affects people of any other religion, other than one that they find acceptable, and they choose to carry this out through very violent and terroristic means."

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Following this, the Bangladesh interim government, led by Professor Yunus, condemned Gabbard, stating that her remarks were "not based on any evidence or specific allegations."

They Paint the Entire Nation with an Unjustified Brush: Bangladesh Slams Gabbard

Responding to Gabbard's remarks, the interim government of Professor Muhammad Yunus slammed the US spy chief’s statement, stating, "They (Gabbard’s comments) paint an entire nation with a broad and unjustified brush," in a verified post on Facebook.

The office continued, saying that the remarks by one of the top US officials were "misleading and damaging to the image and reputation of Bangladesh, a nation whose traditional practice of Islam has been famously inclusive and peaceful and that has made remarkable strides in its fight against extremism and terrorism."

"Political leaders and public figures should base their statements, especially about the most sensitive issues, on actual knowledge and take care not to reinforce harmful stereotypes, to fan fears, and potentially even stoke sectarian tensions," the statement added.

US Defends Gabbard

The United States on Thursday defended Tulsi Gabbard over her recent remarks on violence against minorities in Bangladesh. 

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Tammy Bruce, spokesperson for the US Department of State, said that America condemns every instance of violence and intolerance towards minorities in any country.

"We condemn any instances of violence or intolerance directed towards 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 will continue," Bruce added.

The issue remains a significant area of concern, with the ongoing threat posed by Islamist terrorists and the global efforts of various groups united by a common ideology and goal: to establish and govern through an Islamist caliphate, Bruce remarked.

She further emphasised that this threat predominantly affects individuals of any religion that doesn't align with their beliefs, with these groups resorting to violent and terroristic tactics to achieve their aims.