The United States is profoundly concerned about the persecution of religious minorities in Bangladesh, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard stated in an exclusive interview with NDTV World.
She underscored the Trump administration’s unwavering commitment to defeating Islamist terrorism globally.
Gabbard lamented the "longstanding and unfortunate" persecution, killings, and abuse of religious minorities—including Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians—calling it a significant area of concern for Washington and the Trump administration.
She further revealed that the new US Cabinet under President Trump has initiated discussions with Bangladesh’s interim government.
“The talks have only just begun between the new US Cabinet and the Government of Bangladesh, but this remains a central focus area of concern,” she noted, emphasising the rise of Islamic extremism and terrorist elements in the country.
Elaborating on the broader ideological threat, Gabbard remarked on the global push by extremist elements to establish an Islamic Caliphate.
“The ideology underpinning Islamist terrorism aims at ruling or governing under an Islamist Caliphate, which directly threatens people of any other faith,” she stated, adding that such extremist groups deploy terror and violence as their primary means.
Gabbard reaffirmed that Donald Trump remains resolute in identifying and dismantling this ideology.
“President Trump is committed to recognising the ideology that fuels Islamist terrorism and eradicating both its influence and operational capabilities,” she asserted.
Beyond religious persecution, Bangladesh’s increasing strategic cooperation with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has also raised alarms in Washington and New Delhi over the past two months.
Last month, Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi voiced concerns over ISI operatives' presence in Bangladeshi territories near India’s border, particularly around the Siliguri corridor.
Speaking to ANI, General Dwivedi stressed the need to prevent anti-India elements from exploiting Bangladeshi soil to infiltrate terrorists into India.
“Those who seek to destabilise India should not be able to use that territory as a launchpad,” he warned.
