PTI DHAKA

The interim government of Muhammad Yunus has strongly refuted US National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard's claims regarding the "persecution of minority communities" in Bangladesh. It asserted that her remarks were "not based on any evidence or specific allegations" and "paint an entire nation with a broad and unjustified brush".

Gabbard, who arrived in New Delhi on Sunday on a three-day visit, alleged during an interview with an Indian TV channel, the "persecution and killing" of religious minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. She also claimed that the "threat of Islamic terrorists" in the country was rooted in the "ideology and objective" to "rule and govern with an Islamist caliphate”. She stated that this was a "major area of concern" for the US government and President Trump.

The Chief Advisor's Office, however, countered that linking Bangladesh to the idea of an "Islamist caliphate" undermined the efforts of Bangladeshis committed to peace and stability. They emphasized Bangladesh's "traditional practice of Islam" as "famously inclusive and peaceful" and its "remarkable strides in its fight against extremism and terrorism."

The interim government stressed that Bangladesh, like many nations, faces challenges of extremism but has actively worked with the international community, including the US, to address these issues through law enforcement and social reforms. It  "strongly condemns any efforts to link the country to any form of "Islamist caliphate”."

The statement from Yunus's office urged political leaders and public figures to base their statements on "actual knowledge" and avoid reinforcing "harmful stereotypes”.  It  emphasized the importance of "constructive dialogue based on facts and on respect for the sovereignty and security of all nations" in combating extremism and terrorism.