Gabbard spells US ‘concern’ over Bangladesh. What are its implications?
The Business Standard spoke to experts on the implications of Gabbard's comment and whether the Yunus government should have taken a firmer stance on extremism.
In an interview with Indian media outlet NDTV World, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard recently said that the persecution of religious minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and Catholics, remains a significant concern for the United States. The Business Standard spoke to experts on the implications of this comment and whether the Yunus government should have taken a firmer stance on extremism.
"No indication that US is particularly concerned about Bangladesh"
Zillur Rahman, Executive Director, Centre for Governance Studies
Tulsi Gabbard has not made any new statements; she has merely reiterated her stance, as well as that of the Trump administration, regarding Islamist extremism worldwide.
It is also important to consider how the topic of Bangladesh came up. She was being interviewed by an Indian media outlet, and the question was very leading.
In response, she provided a brief, diplomatic answer. It is unlikely that she would have brought up Bangladesh on her own.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
But at the same time, her comments align with a broader pattern of Islamophobic propaganda by the Trump government.
Gabbard, a practising Hindu, has spoken about the persecution of Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists, but she has not addressed the oppression of Muslims, whether globally or within India.
This suggests that she only said what the interviewer prompted her to say. Her remarks do not indicate that the US administration or policymakers are particularly concerned about Bangladesh.
That said, many believe there has been a resurgence of Islamist extremist elements in Bangladesh. This concern is shared not only by people within the country but also by observers in the West, including the US and European nations.
This resurgence has two aspects.
First, Islamist extremist groups were under significant pressure over the past 15–16 years, making them less visible. Now, after a long time, they have found an opportunity to re-emerge, making them appear more prominent.
Second, governance and law enforcement have been weak, allowing even banned organisations to become active again. The government is struggling to manage this situation and often responds with considerable delay.
This resurgence is indeed a serious concern for Bangladesh and its image as a liberal democratic country. Dr Yunus, known as a liberal democrat, is now leading the government. Many people abroad have expressed their surprise at how a government under his leadership could tolerate the rise of Islamist extremist elements.
Of course, this government represents all of us, and we supported it after 5 August. However, it is gradually losing support due to its failures in governance and law enforcement. If these issues are not addressed, it could have severe consequences for Bangladesh.
I firmly believe that unless elections are held soon and power is transferred to people's representatives, Bangladesh will face serious challenges both nationally and internationally.
TBS' Jannatul Naym Pieal spoke to Zillur Rahman over the phone.
"A free and fair election is the best way to address the issue"
Habibur Rahman Habib, Advisor to the BNP chairperson
Previously, both political parties and other organisations were under tremendous pressure. They hardly had any portal to operate freely. However, the situation has now changed. Now, everyone is operating freely. Even some banned groups, like Hizb ut-Tahrir, are also taking this opportunity.
It is because the current interim government has not been able to fully control law enforcement agencies.
This is, of course, a cause for concern. Groups that were once considered a threat are now able to function openly. Since the government lacks either the authority or the willingness to take strong action, the situation continues to grow unchecked.
The best way to address this issue is through a fair and democratic election at the earliest. A fairly elected government will gain legitimacy and public support. That support, in turn, will allow it to take strong and decisive actions.
Only a properly elected government, trusted by the people, can effectively deal with such groups. It can also ensure that law and order are maintained.
TBS' Anonno Afroz spoke to Habibur Rahman Habib over the phone.
"US and Bangladesh should have frank discussions"
Jon F Danilowicz, former US diplomat
DNI Gabbard's comments reflect longstanding US concerns about the treatment of minorities and the threat of extremism in Bangladesh that predated the tenure of the current interim government.
As friends, the US and Bangladesh should have frank discussions about these and other important issues.
As the Trump Administration team comes together, I expect that they will have the opportunity to engage directly with Bangladeshi counterparts in Dhaka and Washington on these matters.
With all the misinformation and disinformation circulating about developments in Bangladesh, direct dialogue is more important than ever.
Jon F Danilowicz provided a written response to TBS' Masum Billah.
"Extremism and minority safety must be addressed, not just dismissed"
Imtiaz Ahmed, professor of International Relations, Dhaka University
Tulsi Gabbard and Donald Trump have had their eyes on Bangladeshi minorities from the beginning. The last time Trump was in power, when Sheikh Hasina was prime minister, they raised concerns about minority rights — remember the Priya Saha incident? So, this is not a new approach.
Some incidents have been reported in the newspapers, and even the interim government has acknowledged that such incidents have occurred. But only the minorities themselves can say whether they feel safe; the majority often fails to recognise this reality. What is needed is more attention to the issue and a concrete strategy to eliminate these problems.
I believe the response should have been, 'We are also concerned and looking into it. Since there's been a change in power, some issues may have emerged, and we are working to resolve them and bring the situation under control.'
Regarding the issue of Islamic extremism, the fact that Hizb ut-Tahrir was able to organise a rally in the first place — before the police dispersed them — raises serious concerns.
These worries did not emerge just because Tulsi Gabbard pointed them out; they have been there for some time. Even towards the end of their tenure, Democrats also raised concerns about Hizb ut-Tahrir and the situation of minorities, as far as I recall.
What the government must do is ensure that such issues do not occur in Bangladesh in the first place.
TBS' Masum Billah spoke to Imtiaz Ahmed over the phone.
