Bangladesh protests Tulsi Gabbard‍‍`s comments regarding Islamic Caliphate

The interim government of Bangladesh has expressed concern over remarks made by the United States Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, regarding the country.

On Tuesday, March 18, a statement was issued by the press wing of the Chief Adviser, addressing the matter.

The statement mentioned that Tulsi Gabbard has made allegations suggesting that the "persecution and killing" of religious minorities in Bangladesh, along with the "threat of Islamic terrorists," reflect an "ideology and objective to govern according to the Islamic Caliphate."

Bangladesh expressed deep concern and distress over such comments.

The statement further said that Gabbard‍‍`s remarks are misleading and harmful to Bangladesh‍‍`s image. 

The nation practices an inclusive and peaceful version of Islam and has made significant progress in combating extremism and terrorism.

It also added that Gabbard‍‍`s comments are not based on any evidence or specific allegations, but rather paint the entire nation with a broad and unjustified brush.

Like many other countries in the world, Bangladesh has faced challenges of extremism, but it has continuously worked to address these issues through law enforcement, social reforms, and other anti-terrorism efforts, in partnership with the international community, including the United States.

Baselessly associating Bangladesh with the concept of an "Islamic Caliphate" undermines the hard work and commitment of countless Bangladeshis and their friends and partners around the world toward peace, stability, and progress. 

Bangladesh strongly condemns any attempts to link it to the "Islamic Caliphate" concept.

Political leaders and public representatives should be mindful of making comments on sensitive issues based on genuine knowledge, while avoiding harmful stereotypes and ensuring that their remarks do not instill fear or provoke communal tensions.

The interim government of Bangladesh remains committed to participating in fact-based and constructive dialogue, grounded in the global efforts to combat extremism and terrorism, and with respect for the nation‍‍`s sovereignty and security.