Dhaka slams US spy chief’s 'misleading' comments about Bangladesh

DHAKA, Bangladesh

The Bangladesh transitional government expressed distress about remarks by the US intelligence chief that the religious minorities situation in Bangladesh is concerning.

Tulsi Gabbard has managed to “paint an entire nation with a broad and unjustified brush,” the media wing of transitional government head Muhammad Yunus said in a statement late Monday.

That was after Gabbard told Indian broadcaster NDTV World that the “persecution and killing” of religious minorities in Bangladesh and “the threat of Islamic terrorists” is “rooted” in the “ideology and objective” to “rule and govern with an Islamist caliphate."

Bangladesh said Gabbard's comments are not based on any evidence or specific allegations.

Calling it misleading and damaging to the image of the country, the statement said Bangladesh has a traditional practice of Islam. It said the country has been famously inclusive and peaceful, and has made remarkable strides in its fight against extremism and terrorism.

Groundlessly linking Bangladesh to the idea of an "Islamist caliphate” undermines the hard work of countless Bangladeshis and their friends and partners around the world who are committed to peace, stability, and progress, it said.

The statement encouraged political leaders and public figures to base their comments, especially about the most sensitive issues, on actual knowledge and take care not to reinforce harmful stereotypes to fan fears and potentially even stoke sectarian tensions.

The comments came at a moment when Bangladesh and India have been witnessing a bitter exchange of words and border tension since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, known for her friendly relations with India, fled to India last Aug. 5 in a popular uprising.

Since the changeover, India continued to allege that minorities, particularly Hindus, are the victims of violence due to the changes in Bangladesh.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi complained to US President Trump in a recent visit to the US, that minorities in Bangladesh were being targeted.

The Yunus government, however, ruled out India’s complaints as fabricated and hate campaigns against Bangladesh.

Bangladesh finance adviser Salehuddin Ahmed, talking to reporters Tuesday said that Gabbard's remarks will not affect bilateral or multilateral relations between Bangladesh and the US, and will have no effect on Bangladesh’s economy.