March 19, 2025
DHAKA – We are disappointed by US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard’s remarks regarding the alleged persecution, killing, and abuse of minorities in Bangladesh. In an interview with India’s NDTV, Gabbard suggested that this issue has been longstanding and that the “threat of Islamic terrorists” in the country is “rooted” in the “ideology and objective” to “rule and govern with an Islamist caliphate.” When did all this happen, if at all? Under Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh was seen as India’s best friend. Were we trying to establish an “Islamist caliphate” at that time? At a time when the interim government has been actively engaging with the new US administration, such a statement—unsupported by facts or substance—is deeply regrettable.
After years of authoritarian rule, Bangladesh has reembarked on the path to restoring democracy. It is true that, following the fall of the Awami League regime, some attacks against minorities did occur. However, most of these incidents took place when the country lacked a functioning law enforcement system in the immediate aftermath of the August 5 changeover. Moreover, many of the attacks were politically motivated rather than communally driven. Regardless, the interim government has categorically condemned all such incidents and initiated appropriate legal actions. It has even invited journalists from around the world to visit and witness the situation firsthand. Despite these efforts, segments of the Indian media and political class have repeatedly misrepresented Bangladesh—often with completely fabricated reports.
We urge Tulsi Gabbard and other US government officials to independently examine all available evidence before making sweeping statements that unjustly link an entire country to global terrorism. Bangladesh has never been part of any global extremist movement. In fact, the only major instance of terrorism on its soil—the 2016 Holey Artisan attack—had Bangladesh as a victim rather than a perpetrator. Bangladesh has consistently been an ally in global counterterrorism efforts, including those led by the US, and remains committed to this cause. Given this reality, we hope that responsible officials, particularly in the US, will take care not to reinforce harmful stereotypes that misrepresent Bangladesh.
The people of Bangladesh have unequivocally expressed their desire for democracy by overthrowing the former authoritarian regime through great sacrifice. To ignore this and broadly suggest that Bangladeshis wish to establish an Islamist caliphate undermines their struggle and sacrifices. If anything, Bangladesh has been one of the least communalistic countries in the region, particularly compared to its neighbours. Our chief adviser, a Nobel laureate, has clearly stated that Bangladeshis of all backgrounds belong to the same “family.”
Bangladesh seeks to build a stronger relationship with the US, one that requires deep mutual understanding. To achieve this, we urge the US administration to rely on firsthand information gathered through its local embassy rather than external sources. The US is also welcome to send its own journalists or fact-finding missions to assess the ground reality and engage directly with the Bangladeshi people.