March 21, 2025
DHAKA – US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s recent remarks on Bangladesh are not only irresponsible but also unfair and baseless. As the chief of US national intelligence, her words carry significant weight, making it imperative that they be backed by credible evidence and diplomatic prudence. Instead, Gabbard’s comments reflect a broader pattern of propaganda, particularly one emanating from India, that seeks to malign Bangladesh’s reputation on the global stage. This is not merely a diplomatic faux pas but an act with severe repercussions for Bangladesh’s global standing.
Diplomacy is not just about power but also responsibility. As former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan once said, “To live is to choose. But to choose well, you must know who you are and what you stand for.” As a senior intelligence official, Gabbard should recognise that her statements about Bangladesh carry consequences. A responsible diplomat does not make sweeping generalisations about another nation without substantial proof. Ethics in international relations demand fairness, respect, and factual accuracy—qualities evidently absent in her remarks.
Gabbard’s approach to Bangladesh can be analysed through the lens of international psychology. States that perceive themselves as superior often develop a patronising attitude towards smaller nations, a phenomenon best described by political scientist Noam Chomsky, “The powerful do what they want, while the weak suffer what they must.” This mindset drives nations to interfere in the affairs of others under the pretext of human rights concerns, when in reality geopolitical motives often lie beneath the surface.
Her comments mirror a long-standing psychological pattern where Western and larger states adopt a paternalistic role towards smaller, developing nations. Psychologist Alfred Adler’s theory of superiority and inferiority complexes explains this well: powerful nations often assert dominance over others, under the guise of guidance or correction, to reinforce their own self-image as global leaders. Bangladesh, having fought against extremism with great success, does not need unsolicited and factually incorrect judgements from a foreign intelligence head.
As historian Edward Said noted in his seminal work Orientalism, the West has long held a distorted and condescending view of the East, shaping narratives to maintain ideological dominance. Tulsi Gabbard’s statements reflect this enduring bias, where Bangladesh is unfairly categorised despite its strides towards progress and stability.
Gabbard’s words are not just an oversight but a strategic move in the broader game of influence. By painting Bangladesh as a breeding ground for extremism, she indirectly strengthens India’s long-held geopolitical ambitions in the region. This aligns with what Italian philosopher Antonio Gramsci called “cultural hegemony,” where dominant forces manipulate discourse to maintain control over the international order. The theme of labelling independent nations as “unstable” or “extremist” has been used repeatedly by powerful states to justify intervention and coercion. Gabbard’s accusations fit this troubling pattern.
It is no coincidence that Gabbard made these comments at a conference in India. The historical pattern of propaganda against Bangladesh from a certain section in India is well-documented. From exaggerated reports of human rights violations to the systematic portrayal of Bangladesh as a hub of Islamist extremism, this section, which also includes some media platforms, has repeatedly sought to undermine Bangladesh’s independent political and social trajectory.
The timing of her remarks is also suspect. The interim government in Bangladesh is actively working to rebuild democratic norms and restore stability after years of authoritarianism. By raising unfounded allegations at this juncture, Gabbard inadvertently or deliberately provides fodder for forces that seek to destabilise Bangladesh.
Responsible statesmanship requires basing assertions on verified facts, not political expediency. As Aristotle aptly put it, “The least initial deviation from the truth is multiplied later a thousandfold.” If Gabbard had credible evidence of systemic persecution in Bangladesh, it should have been presented through proper diplomatic channels instead of being aired in a sensationalised interview.
Former US Secretary of State Colin Powell, reflecting on the Iraq War intelligence failures, famously admitted, “What we know now, we should have known then.” This acknowledgment of past mistakes highlights the dangers of acting on misinformation, something Gabbard should take into account before making unverified claims.
Bangladesh’s track record in protecting minorities speaks for itself. The country’s constitution guarantees religious freedom, and its leadership has consistently condemned communal violence. The occasional incidents that do occur are neither state-sponsored nor reflective of the nation’s broader ethos.
History is rife with examples of how unverified allegations have led to disastrous consequences. The 2003 invasion of Iraq, justified under the pretence of “weapons of mass destruction,” remains one of the most egregious cases of misinformation being used as a tool for political manoeuvring. Philosopher George Santayana’s warning remains relevant, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
Gabbard’s statements, if left unchallenged, could create an international perception that justifies unwarranted interventions, sanctions or diplomatic hostilities against Bangladesh. This is not just about national pride, it is about protecting the country’s sovereignty against an emerging pattern of disinformation.
Gabbard, and politicians like her, should practise greater prudence when assessing another country. Reckless comments based on flawed narratives do not help Bangladesh, the US, or the cause of global peace.
The international community must demand higher standards of integrity and objectivity from political figures entrusted with global security. Engaging in constructive dialogue, rather than relying on baseless rhetoric, is the way forward.
Bangladesh has fought hard against extremism and has made commendable progress in religious inclusivity. Unsubstantiated allegations from foreign officials should not be allowed to dictate the narrative of a nation that has time and again proven its commitment to peace and progress. It’s high time that international leaders remembered the words of Voltaire, “Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.” Let’s resist the politics of misinformation and stand firm against the forces that seek to tarnish Bangladesh’s reputation for their own strategic gains.
H.M. Nazmul Alam is an academic, journalist, and political analyst. He can be reached at nazmulalam.rijohn@gmail.com.
Views expressed in this article are the author’s own.