Bangladesh Rebukes Tulsi Gabbard’s ‘Islamic Caliphate’ Remark

A diplomatic row has emerged following remarks by United States Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard, who claimed that Bangladesh is facing a serious threat from Islamic extremism and that religious minorities in the country are being persecuted. The Bangladesh Interim Government has strongly refuted these allegations, calling them misleading and harmful.

In an exclusive interview with NDTV World, Gabbard stated that the United States remains deeply concerned about the persecution of Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and other religious minorities in Bangladesh. She further asserted that extremist elements within the country aim to establish an “Islamic Caliphate,” aligning with global terror networks.

“The longtime unfortunate persecution, killing, and abuse of religious minorities like Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and others has been a major area of concern for the US government and President Trump and his administration,” Gabbard told NDTV. She also emphasized that the Trump administration is focused on identifying and defeating the ideology driving “radical Islamic terrorism.”

Gabbard’s remarks further suggested that the growing relationship between Bangladesh and Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI, has raised alarms in both Washington and New Delhi. She pointed to statements made by Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, who recently expressed concern over the presence of ISI officials in Bangladesh’s border regions.

The comments from the US Intelligence Chief have drawn swift condemnation from the Bangladesh Interim Government. In an official statement released via Facebook, the government dismissed Gabbard’s allegations as baseless and detrimental to Bangladesh’s reputation.

“We note with deep concern and distress the remarks made by DNI Tulsi Gabbard, in which she alleged ‘persecution and killing’ of religious minorities in Bangladesh 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,’” read the statement from the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s official page.

The statement emphasized Bangladesh’s commitment to religious inclusivity and counterterrorism efforts, asserting that the country has worked diligently with international partners, including the United States, to combat extremism through law enforcement and social reforms.

“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,” the statement added.

Bangladesh also called for political leaders and public figures to ensure that their statements are based on facts rather than broad generalizations that could stoke sectarian tensions. The government reaffirmed its commitment to engaging in constructive dialogue with global partners to combat extremism while upholding Bangladesh’s sovereignty.

The controversy comes at a time of heightened geopolitical sensitivities in South Asia, with concerns over regional security and counterterrorism policies taking center stage. With both Washington and Dhaka holding firm to their respective positions, diplomatic engagement will be key in managing this latest strain in bilateral relations.