Gabbard's comments do not indicate US is particularly concerned about Bangladesh
It is unlikely that she would have brought up Bangladesh on her own
Tulsi Gabbard has not made any new statements; she has merely reiterated her stance, as well as that of the Trump administration, regarding Islamist extremists worldwide.
It is also important to consider how the topic of Bangladesh came up. An Indian media outlet was interviewing her, 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.
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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, the government's 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.
Zillur Rahman is the executive director of Center for Governance Studies (CGS). He spoke to Jannatul Naym Pieal over the phone.
