Bangladesh interim government in a statement on Monday said that the United States intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard鈥檚 remarks in about Bangladesh in an interview with NDTV World were misleading and not based on evidence.
鈥榃e note with deep concern and distress the remarks made by DNI Tulsi Gabbard, in which she alleged 鈥減ersecution and killing鈥� of religious minorities in Bangladesh and that 鈥渢he threat of Islamic terrorists鈥� in the country is 鈥渞ooted鈥� in the 鈥渋deology and objective鈥� to 鈥渞ule and govern with an Islamist caliphate.鈥� 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,鈥� said the statement shared by the Chief Adviser鈥檚 press wing.
Gabbard鈥檚 comments were not based on any evidence or specific allegations, it said, adding that they painted 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.
鈥楪roundlessly linking Bangladesh to the idea of an 鈥淚slamist caliphate鈥� undermines the hard work of countless Bangladeshis and their friends and partners around the world who are committed to peace, stability, and progress,鈥� it said.
Bangladesh strongly condemned any efforts to link the country to any form of 鈥業slamist caliphate鈥�, according to the statement.
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 said.
鈥業n 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,鈥� it said.
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