Dhaka [Bangladesh], March 18 (ANI): The Bangladesh interim government has expressed deep concern over US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard's remarks on an 'Islamist caliphate,' stating that her comments are both 'misleading and damaging' to the country's image and reputation.

'We note with deep concern and distress the remarks made by DNI Tulsi Gabbard, in which she alleged 'persecution and killing' of religious minorities in Bangladesh and that 'the threat of Islamic terrorists' in the country is 'rooted' in the 'ideology and objective' to 'rule and govern with an Islamist caliphate.'

This statement is both misleading and damaging to the image and reputation of Bangladesh, a nation whose traditional practice of Islam has been famously inclusive and peaceful and that has made remarkable strides in its fight against extremism and terrorism', Bangladesh's interim government said in a statement late on Monday.

Gabbard remarked during an interview on an Indian television channel, where she explained the ideology of the 'Islamic Caliphate' and how extremist elements have influenced various countries.

Condemning Gabbard's statement, the Bangladesh government said her comments were not based on any evidence and unfairly generalised an entire nation.

'Gabbard's comments are not based on any evidence or specific allegations. They paint an entire nation with a broad and unjustified brush. Bangladesh, like many countries around the world, has faced challenges of extremism, but it has continuously worked in partnership with the international community, including the US, to address these issues through law enforcement, social reforms, and other counterterrorism efforts', the statement read.

The Bangladesh government emphasised that linking the country to the idea of an 'Islamist caliphate' undermines the hard work of its citizens, who are committed to peace, stability, and progress.

'Bangladesh strongly condemns any efforts to link the country to any form of 'Islamist caliphate'.' the statement added.

The government urged Gabbard and other political leaders to base their statements on 'actual knowledge' when discussing sensitive issues, warning that such remarks could reinforce harmful stereotypes.

'Political leaders and public figures should base their statements, especially about the most sensitive issues, on actual knowledge and take care not to reinforce harmful stereotypes, to fan fears and potentially even stoke sectarian tensions', the statement said.'In support of our shared global efforts to combat extremism and terrorism, the Interim Government of Bangladesh remains committed to engaging in constructive dialogue based on facts and on respect for the sovereignty and security of all nations', the statement added.

When ANI asked Gabbard how the Trump administration views repeated terror attacks on India from Pakistan, she responded, 'President Trump, through his first administration in the presidency, and it continues now, has been very clear about his commitment to defeating this threat of Islamist terrorism that has unfortunately plagued us, and continues to pose a direct threat to the American people.'

'But, we see how it's been impacting people here in India, in Bangladesh, currently ongoing in Syria, Israel and different countries in the Middle East. So this is a threat that I know Prime Minister Modi also takes seriously and one where the leaders of our two countries will work together to try to identify and defeat that threat,' she added. (ANI)