The U.S. State Department has commended Bangladesh’s interim government for its actions in ensuring the safety of religious minorities in the country.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that America appreciates the steps taken by Bangladesh to reduce violence against minorities.
This follows concerns raised by U.S. Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, about the situation in Bangladesh.
In a recent interview with Indian news outlet NDTV, Gabbard voiced her concerns over the treatment of religious minorities in Bangladesh, alleging that they were being persecuted and killed.
She also raised alarms about Islamist extremists in the region, linking their activities to a global ideology aimed at establishing an Islamist caliphate.
When asked to comment on these concerns during the press briefing, Bruce reaffirmed the U.S.`s stance against any form of violence targeting minority communities.
She said, “We condemn any act of violence or intolerance against minority groups in any country. However, we welcome the steps taken by Bangladesh’s interim government to ensure the safety of all citizens. This is what we are observing, this is what we expect, and we hope these efforts will continue.”
In response to Gabbard’s remarks, Bangladesh`s interim government issued a strong statement late on Monday night, expressing deep concern and disappointment over the claims.
The statement noted, "We have observed Tulsi Gabbard’s remarks with great concern, where she alleged that religious minorities in Bangladesh are being persecuted and killed. She also made claims about the global ambitions of Islamist extremists, suggesting that they are all motivated by the goal of establishing an Islamist caliphate."
The interim government dismissed Gabbard’s claims as misleading and damaging to the country’s reputation.
They emphasized that Bangladesh has long been known for its peaceful and inclusive practice of Islam and highlighted the progress the country has made in combatting extremism and terrorism.
The government added, "Bangladesh has achieved remarkable success in fighting against extremism and terrorism, and these comments do not reflect the true picture of our country."
This back-and-forth comes at a time when Bangladesh is facing international scrutiny, and the efforts of the interim government to ensure the safety of minorities are being closely watched by the global community.
This ongoing dialogue highlights the importance of maintaining religious harmony and countering extremist narratives, not just in Bangladesh, but globally.
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