The interim government of Bangladesh has strongly condemned recent statements made by US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard, dismissing her claims as misleading and harmful to the country's reputation.
Gabbard’s remarks, which echoed concerns previously raised by India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval during a bilateral discussion, linked Bangladesh to the concept of an "Islamist caliphate" and alleged persecution of religious minorities.
In a statement released late on Monday night by the Chief Adviser’s press wing, the government expressed deep concern over the allegations, emphasising that such assertions undermine the dedicated efforts of Bangladeshis and their international partners in maintaining peace, stability, and progress. The statement firmly rejected any attempts to associate Bangladesh with extremist ideologies, asserting that such claims are baseless and unfair.
"Gabbard's comments are misleading 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 interim government stated that Bangladesh has long been known for its inclusive and peaceful practice of Islam and has made significant strides in countering extremism and terrorism. It criticized Gabbard’s comments for being devoid of factual evidence and for unjustly portraying an entire nation in a negative light.
"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 mentioned.
The discussions between Doval and Gabbard in New Delhi reportedly covered a wide range of security issues, including anti-India activities originating from abroad, particularly the role of pro-Khalistan elements. However, a key focus was India’s intelligence assessments indicating a potential future threat of terrorism emanating from Bangladesh’s soil.
Doval also mentioned about 700 inmates, including convicted Islamist militants and death-row prisoners, escaped since jailbreaks occurred amid the July-August student uprising and Bangladesh’s interim government has yet to take any visible steps to recapture these fugitives.
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