Allegations Against France
Former Indian Navy official Manoj Rawat posted a screenshot of the French Embassy sharing Mohammad Yunus’ statement on Gabbard’s remarks. He alleged that France was backing the Bangladesh government’s criticism of Gabbard’s comments on the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh.
Rawat further stated that the Indo-French strategic partnership seemed to be a business arrangement aimed at securing defense contracts for France. “Time to call out the French mischief in the sub-continent,” he said in a post on X.
Bangladesh’s Response to Gabbard’s Criticism
Bangladesh’s interim government issued a statement rejecting Gabbard’s remarks, calling them “misleading and damaging” to the country’s image.
“This statement 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,” the statement said.
The Bangladesh government asserted that Gabbard’s comments lacked evidence and painted an unjustified picture of the country. “Gabbard’s comments are not based on any evidence or specific allegations. They paint an entire nation with a broad and unjustified brush. Bangladesh, like many countries around the world, has faced challenges with 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. Bangladesh strongly condemns any efforts to link the country to any form of ‘Islamist caliphate,'” the statement added.Bangladesh also urged Gabbard to ensure her statements were based on “actual knowledge” and warned that such remarks could reinforce harmful stereotypes. “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 statement said.
Tulsi Gabbard’s Stand on Persecution of Minorities
Gabbard reiterated the US government’s concerns about the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh and emphasised its commitment to combating “Islamist terrorism.” She highlighted that the Trump administration and Prime Minister Narendra Modi recognised the seriousness of this issue and were working together to address it.
“The long-time unfortunate persecution, killing and abuse of religious minorities like Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and others have been a major area of concern for the US government and President Trump and his administration,” Gabbard told NDTV World.
She elaborated on the global threat posed by extremist groups and their ideological goal of establishing an “Islamic Caliphate.” “The threat of Islamist terrorists and the global effort of different terror groups are rooted in the same ideology and objective – which is to rule or govern with an Islamist Caliphate,” she said. “This obviously affects people of any other religion, other than the one that they find acceptable, and they choose to carry this out with terror and very violent ways and means.”
Gabbard’s remarks were seen as a strong criticism of the Yunus-led interim government in Bangladesh, which has received support from the Biden administration. During her meeting with Indian officials, she reaffirmed the growing India-US defense partnership and stressed the importance of intelligence-sharing, aligning with commitments made during the recent Modi-Trump meeting in Washington, DC.
