Describing the comments made by US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard to Indian media outlet NDTV on minority persecution and the Islamic caliphate in Bangladesh as 'serious', Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain said, 'That is the position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as expressed by the Office of the Chief Adviser (on Tulsi Gabbard's statement).'
Adviser Touhid made such comments in response to a question from journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday.
Earlier, in an interview given to NDTV World in New Delhi on Monday, Tulsi Gabbard said that the long-standing unfortunate persecution, killings and other abuses against Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Catholics and other religious minorities is a major area of concern for the US government, President Trump and his administration. Discussions between President Trump's new cabinet and the Bangladesh government are just beginning, but it has become one of the main areas of concern.
The interim government expressed deep concern in a statement late night after Tulsi Gabbard's statement. The statement from the press wing of the chief adviser said, "We have noted with deep concern and sadness the comments made by the United States Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard. She alleged that there is persecution and killing of religious minorities in Bangladesh and the threat of Islamic terrorists in the country, which is rooted in the ideology and objectives of ruling and operating an Islamic caliphate. Her statement is misleading and harmful, which hurts the image and reputation of Bangladesh. Bangladesh has always been well-known for its tradition of practicing inclusive and peaceful Islam. Bangladesh has made significant progress in the fight against terrorism and extremism." The statement also said that Tulsi Gabbard's comments were not based on any specific evidence or allegations. They portray an entire nation in a broad and illogical manner. "Like many countries around the world, Bangladesh faces the challenge of extremism, but continues to work in partnership with the international community, including the United States, to address these issues through law enforcement, social reform, and other counterterrorism efforts."