Govt slams Gabbard’s remarks as ‘misleading and damaging’

Bangladesh has issued a sharp rebuke to comments made by US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who alleged “persecution and killing” of religious minorities in Bangladesh and tied the country’s challenges with extremism to an “ideology and objective” of establishing an “Islamist caliphate.”

In a strongly worded statement released around midnight past Monday, the government expressed “deep concern and distress” over Gabbard’s remarks, calling them baseless, misleading, and harmful to Bangladesh’s reputation as a peaceful and inclusive nation.

The statement described Gabbard’s comments as an unjust generalisation that lacks evidence or specific allegations. “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 that has made remarkable strides in its fight against extremism and terrorism,” the government said.

It accused Gabbard of painting the country “with a broad and unjustified brush,” ignoring its ongoing efforts to combat extremism in collaboration with the international community, including the United States.

Bangladesh emphasised its proactive stance against terrorism, highlighting its work through law enforcement, social reforms, and counterterrorism initiatives. “Groundlessly linking Bangladesh to the idea of an ‘Islamist caliphate’ undermines the hard work of countless Bangladeshis and their friends and partners around the world who are committed to peace, stability, and progress,” the statement read. The government categorically condemned any attempt to associate the nation with such ideologies, calling it a distortion of reality.

The Interim Government also urged political leaders and public figures to exercise caution in their statements, particularly on sensitive issues. “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,” it warned, suggesting that Gabbard’s remarks risked exacerbating misunderstandings and divisions.

Despite the criticism, Bangladesh reaffirmed its commitment to constructive dialogue with global partners, including the US, in the fight against extremism. “In support of our shared global efforts to combat extremism and terrorism, the Interim Government of Bangladesh remains committed to engaging in constructive dialogue based on facts and on respect for the sovereignty and security of all nations,” the statement concluded.

Gabbard’s comments, made during a visit to India as part of a multi-nation Indo-Pacific tour, have sparked controversy amid heightened tensions over minority rights and political stability in Bangladesh.