Islami Andolan slams Tulsi Gabbard's remarks as 'false, malicious'

Islami Andolan Bangladesh has condemned recent remarks made by US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard in India, stating they were "untrue and malicious".

In a press statement today (18 March), Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, joint secretary general and spokesperson of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, said, "Gabbard had attempted to 'please India by making a series of false and malicious statements about Bangladesh'."

He stated, "Although there was some political infighting after the uprising, it is a universally established truth that there was no communal issue.

"But, by expressing concern about communalism, she revealed her lack of knowledge about Bangladesh. This may be due to a lack of information as she is new to the responsibility, or it may be an attempt to appease her Indian roots."

Tulsi yesterday said persecution of religious minorities in Bangladesh has been a major area of concern for the United States.

In an interview with India's NDTV World, Gabbard, the director of US National Intelligence, said, "The long-time 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 Donald Trump and his administration."

Gabbard, who arrived in New Delhi on Sunday on a three-day visit, spoke about the ideology of an "Islamic Caliphate" and how extremist elements and terror groups globally aim for such an outcome.

She said, "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.

Gazi Ataur Rahman further asserted that Bangladesh has a long history of civilisation, with Islam serving as a source of peace and harmony in the region.

"Fundamentalism, in the sense that the West defines it, has never existed in the Bengal region. So what Gabbard said indicates her limited knowledge of history," he said.

Regarding Bangladesh's foreign relations, he said, "Bangladesh believes in mutually cooperative and dignified relations with everyone. The problem arises when someone wants to dominate Bangladesh.

"Because we do not have the issue of dominating others in our blood. The current deterioration of India-Bangladesh relations is due to India's unethical behaviour. There is nothing we can do from our side."

On US foreign policy, Gazi Ataur Rahman remarked, "There is nothing new to say about the role of the United States in world politics. Israel and the United States will have to pay the price to history for the crimes they have committed recently in Gaza.

"Nevertheless, we want friendly and mutually cooperative relations with the United States. But it must be based on truth, respect, and dignity."