US Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce strongly condemned violence against minorities in Bangladesh during her press briefing on Wednesday.
"We condemn any instances of violence or intolerance directed toward members of minority communities in any country and have welcomed measures taken by Bangladesh's interim government to ensure safety and security for all in Bangladesh. That's what we're watching. That's what we expect. And that will be what continues," Bruce said.
Bruce also addressed recent remarks made by US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard regarding Bangladesh. Gabbard, during an interview on an Indian television channel, spoke about the "Islamic Caliphate" ideology and its influence on various countries, including Bangladesh.
Her remarks sparked strong reactions from Bangladesh’s interim government, which dismissed her statements as misleading and harmful.
"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,’" Bangladesh’s interim government stated.
The government further rejected Gabbard’s claims, emphasizing that Bangladesh has been actively combating extremism in collaboration with global partners.
"Gabbard's comments are not based on any evidence or specific allegations. They paint an entire nation with a broad and unjustified brush," the statement added.
The Bangladesh government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and inclusivity, stating that the country’s practice of Islam has always been known for its tolerance.
