Mon Mar 17 23:05:26 UTC 2025: ## Bangladesh Rejects US Intelligence Chief’s Claims of Religious Persecution
**DHAKA, March 18, 2025** – Bangladesh’s interim government has strongly refuted claims made by U.S. National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard regarding the alleged persecution of religious minorities in the country. In a statement released Monday night, the office of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus denounced Gabbard’s comments, made during an interview with an Indian television channel, as “not based on any evidence or specific allegations.”
Gabbard, currently on a three-day visit to India, alleged widespread persecution and killing of religious minorities, including Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians, and linked the threat of Islamic terrorism in Bangladesh to the objective of establishing an Islamist caliphate. She stated that this issue was a “central focus area of concern” for the U.S. government under President Trump.
The Bangladeshi government countered that Gabbard’s statements were misleading and damaging to the country’s image. The statement emphasized Bangladesh’s inclusive and peaceful Islamic traditions and its considerable efforts in combating extremism and terrorism. It further rejected the notion of any link between Bangladesh and the establishment of an Islamist caliphate, calling such claims an undermining of the country’s progress.
The government acknowledged the existence of extremism challenges but stressed its ongoing cooperation with the international community, including the U.S., to address these issues through various means. The statement concluded by reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to constructive dialogue based on facts and respect for national sovereignty.
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