Reza Mahmud and Abu Jakir :
The interim government of Bangladesh has expressed concern over comments made by US Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, regarding religious minorities in the country.
In a statement issued by the Chief Adviser’s press wing, the government described Gabbard’s remarks as “misleading and damaging” to Bangladesh’s reputation.
In an interview with NDTV World, Gabbard had stated, “The long-standing persecution, killing, and abuse of religious minorities-Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Catholics, and others-have been a major concern for the US government, President Trump, and his administration.”
The interim government rejected these claims, saying, “We note with deep concern and distress the remarks made by DNI Tulsi Gabbard, in which she alleged persecution and killings of religious minorities in Bangladesh and linked the threat of Islamic terrorism in the country to an ‘Islamist caliphate’ ideology.”
Meanwhile, experts have suggested that Gabbard’s comments align with India’s broader strategic objectives.
Professor Amena Mohsin, former chairperson of the Department of International Relations at the University of Dhaka, told The New Nation, “This seems to be part of India’s efforts to influence US policy towards Bangladesh by creating pressure over minority issues.”
She added, “While addressing oppression is necessary, the government has already prioritised this, making Gabbard’s remarks objectionable to all of us.”
Howver, the United States has taken a cautious approach on the issue of religious minorities in Bangladesh, preferring diplomatic channels over public statements.
During a routine press briefing on 17 March, newly appointed US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce refrained from commenting on the security of religious minorities in Bangladesh, citing diplomatic considerations that require careful evaluation before any official remarks.
This issue surfaced when a journalist referred to past statements by former US President Donald Trump, who raised concerns over attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh.
The journalist asked for an assessment from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has been in office for nearly 60 days. However, Bruce avoided the question, stating that the administration would not speculate on diplomatic discussions or comment prematurely.
Bruce said, “You are referring to President Trump’s perspective on how the US administration views developments in other countries.” When asked specifically about Bangladesh, she responded, “Secretary Rubio follows his own perspective on such decisions, but I will not speculate on outcomes.”
The interim government of Bangladesh has also reacted to allegations of misinformation by Indian media outlets. Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on 5 August, Indian media has been accused of amplifying a propaganda campaign against Bangladesh, particularly on minority rights issues.
Many outlets, especially those aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have been criticised for sensationalising reports on Bangladesh. NDTV, once known for its critical stance towards the Indian establishment, has been accused of exaggerating incidents of violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh.
The channel was acquired by Gautam Adani’s AMG Media Network, a group with close ties to Modi. Since the acquisition, NDTV’s editorial direction has aligned more closely with the BJP’s Hindu nationalist agenda.
Observers claim that the latest addition to this alleged disinformation effort was an interview with US National Intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard, whose questions were reportedly framed to reinforce perceptions of escalating religious violence in Bangladesh. Gabbard, a follower of Hindu religion who took her oath of office on the Bhagavad Gita, reiterated the Trump administration’s commitment to countering “Islamist terrorism” worldwide and framed Bangladesh within that narrative.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Tawhid Hossain condemned Gabbard’s statements, saying, “Tulsi Gabbard’s remarks are misleading and harmful to Bangladesh’s image. Bangladesh is known for its peaceful and inclusive practice of Islam and has made significant progress in combating extremism and terrorism.”
Analysts suggest that the portrayal of Bangladesh by Indian media is part of a larger disinformation strategy. Many prominent Indian outlets-often labelled “Godi Media” due to their alignment with Modi’s government-have been accused of amplifying false narratives to shape regional perceptions.
Past investigative reports by Al Jazeera have exposed a network of fake news portals and propaganda campaigns allegedly funded by the Indian government to influence narratives about neighbouring countries. Observers believe that a similar strategy is now being used against Bangladesh, aiming to portray the country as unstable and intolerant toward religious minorities.
