Bangladesh Dismisses Tulsi Gabbard's Allegations of Minority Abuse
Dhaka has responded to comments made by the US Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, regarding the "unfortunate persecution" of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. Bangladesh's interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, issued...
TroibNews 
Dhaka has responded to comments made by the US Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, regarding the "unfortunate persecution" of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh's interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, issued a rebuttal on Tuesday following Gabbard's remarks about the supposed mistreatment of minority communities in the country.
During a recent visit to New Delhi, Gabbard discussed the "longtime unfortunate persecution, killing, and abuse of religious minorities" in Bangladesh, highlighting the situation of Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians as a “major area of concern” for the administration of US President Donald Trump.
In a Facebook statement, Yunus' office claimed that Gabbard’s comments were "not based on any evidence or specific allegations" and that they "paint an entire nation with a broad and unjustified brush."
“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,” the statement emphasized.
The office further noted that public figures should issue informed statements on sensitive topics and refrain from perpetuating harmful stereotypes that could exacerbate fears and sectarian tensions.
While acknowledging that Bangladesh, like many other nations, faces challenges related to extremism, Yunus’ office pointed out the country's collaborative efforts with the international community, including the US, to tackle these issues through law enforcement, social reforms, and counterterrorism initiatives.
In her remarks, Gabbard indicated that the “threat of Islamic terrorism” in Bangladesh stems from an “ideology seeking to establish an Islamist caliphate.”
Dhaka refuted this notion, arguing that unfounded associations with the concept of an “Islamist caliphate” undermine the efforts of Bangladeshis and their international allies to foster peace, stability, and progress.
The treatment of minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh has been a concern raised by New Delhi since the regime change last August. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was compelled to step down after weeks of intense protests and subsequently fled to India.
Yunus’ interim government is currently pursuing her extradition to face charges, including “crimes against humanity.” However, earlier this month, Yunus conveyed that Dhaka is striving to resolve its issues with New Delhi.
Mark B Thomas contributed to this article for TROIB News
Bangladesh's interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, issued a rebuttal on Tuesday following Gabbard's remarks about the supposed mistreatment of minority communities in the country.
During a recent visit to New Delhi, Gabbard discussed the "longtime unfortunate persecution, killing, and abuse of religious minorities" in Bangladesh, highlighting the situation of Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians as a “major area of concern” for the administration of US President Donald Trump.
In a Facebook statement, Yunus' office claimed that Gabbard’s comments were "not based on any evidence or specific allegations" and that they "paint an entire nation with a broad and unjustified brush."
“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,” the statement emphasized.
The office further noted that public figures should issue informed statements on sensitive topics and refrain from perpetuating harmful stereotypes that could exacerbate fears and sectarian tensions.
While acknowledging that Bangladesh, like many other nations, faces challenges related to extremism, Yunus’ office pointed out the country's collaborative efforts with the international community, including the US, to tackle these issues through law enforcement, social reforms, and counterterrorism initiatives.
In her remarks, Gabbard indicated that the “threat of Islamic terrorism” in Bangladesh stems from an “ideology seeking to establish an Islamist caliphate.”
Dhaka refuted this notion, arguing that unfounded associations with the concept of an “Islamist caliphate” undermine the efforts of Bangladeshis and their international allies to foster peace, stability, and progress.
The treatment of minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh has been a concern raised by New Delhi since the regime change last August. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was compelled to step down after weeks of intense protests and subsequently fled to India.
Yunus’ interim government is currently pursuing her extradition to face charges, including “crimes against humanity.” However, earlier this month, Yunus conveyed that Dhaka is striving to resolve its issues with New Delhi.
Mark B Thomas contributed to this article for TROIB News
