Photo: Collected
The United States has welcomed the interim government’s measures to ensure safety and security for all in Bangladesh. “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,” said US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce during a regular press briefing in Washington, DC, on Wednesday.
She made the statement in response to a question about recent remarks by US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard regarding Bangladesh. Earlier on March 17, the interim government expressed deep concern over Gabbard’s remarks in an interview with Indian news channel NDTV.
“The interim government has noted 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," said a statement issued by the Chief Adviser's Press Wing.
"This statement of Tulsi Gabbard is both misleading and 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," it said
“Gabbard's comments are not based on any evidence or specific allegations, it said, adding that they paint an entire nation with a broad and unjustified brush,” it added.
Messenger/JRTarek
