‘Not based on any evidence’: Bangladesh slams Gabbard’s remarks on minority persecution

Terming Gabbard’s statement in an Indian TV channel “misleading”, the statement said it was “damaging to the image and reputation of Bangladesh, a nation whose traditional practice of Islam has been famously inclusive and peaceful and that has made remarkable strides in its fight against extremism and terrorism”.

In an interview witha TV channel in India, Gabbard on Monday said the “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 alleged “persecution and killing” of religious minorities and “the threat of Islamic terrorists” in Bangladesh was embedded in the “ideology and objective” to “rule and govern with an Islamist caliphate”.

She said US President Donald Trump has begun talks with Bangladesh’s interim government on the issue. “The talks are just beginning between President Trump’s new cabinet coming in and the Government of Bangladesh, but this continues to remain a central focus area of concern,” she said.

Bangladesh however argued that baselessly linking the country to the idea of an “Islamist caliphate” undermined the hard work of countless Bangladeshis around the world who were committed to peace, progress, and stability.

It said Bangladesh “strongly condemns any efforts to link the country to any form of ‘Islamist caliphate'”.

“Political leaders and public figures should base their statements, 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 chief adviser’s office said.

Bangladesh, like many countries around the world, faced challenges of extremism, “but it has continuously worked in partnership with the international community, including the US, to address these issues through law enforcement, social reforms, and other counterterrorism efforts”, the statement read.

“In support of our shared global efforts to combat extremism and terrorism, the Interim Government of Bangladesh remains committed to engaging in constructive dialogue based on facts and on respect for the sovereignty and security of all nations,” Yunus’s office said.

— inputs from PTI