US clarifies Tulsi Gabbard’s comments about ‘Islamic caliphate’ following backlash from Bangladesh
Bangladesh voiced significant worries, stating that Tulsi Gabbard’s comments are “misleading and harmful” to the nation’s image and standing.
Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the US Department of State, mentioned that the United States denounces violence against minority groups in Bangladesh and supports any initiatives by the interim government aimed at mitigating such occurrences.
The spokesperson addressed the statement made by National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard, which criticized supposed violent actions against minorities in Bangladesh and discussed how extremist factions aiming to create an “Islamic Caliphate” have impacted various nations.
Bruce remarked, “We denounce any acts of violence or intolerance towards minority groups in any nation and appreciate steps taken by Bangladesh’s interim government to guarantee the safety and security of all citizens in Bangladesh. That’s what we are observing. That’s our expectation. And that will persist.”
‘Unwarranted assertion,’ states Bangladesh
The interim government of Bangladesh, led by chief advisor Muhammad Yunus, has expressed serious concern regarding Gabbard’s comments on an “Islamist caliphate,” stating that her remarks are “misleading and damaging” to the country's image and reputation.
A statement issued late Monday read, “We express our profound concern and distress over the comments made by DNI Tulsi Gabbard, where she claimed ‘persecution and killing’ of religious minorities in Bangladesh and asserted that ‘the threat of Islamic terrorists’ in the country is ‘rooted’ in the ‘ideology and objective’ of establishing an Islamist caliphate.”
“This statement is both misleading and detrimental to the reputation and image of Bangladesh, a country known for its traditionally inclusive and peaceful practice of Islam, which has made significant advances in combating extremism and terrorism," the statement further noted.
