What does Tulsi Gabbard’s warning about the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh indicate? For a long time, incidents of persecution, murder, and oppression against religious minorities, including Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians, have been occurring in Bangladesh. This remains a significant concern for the American government, President Trump, and his administration. Over the past week, Bangladesh’s political sphere has been in turmoil following a statement by the U.S. intelligence chief regarding the persecution of minorities, violence, and the rise of religious extremism in Bangladesh. Debates and discussions, both in favor and against, are ongoing—leading to growing concerns and anxieties.
What does Tulsi Gabbard’s warning: On March 17, during her visit to India, the U.S. Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, gave an interview to Indian media outlet NDTV World. Her warning about the current human rights situation in Bangladesh, particularly regarding the persecution of minorities, has raised new concerns. She stated, “The Trump administration is committed to combating Islamist terrorism globally, and they are working towards that goal. The new cabinet under Trump has already begun discussions with the interim government of Bangladesh.”
Gabbard concluded her remarks on Bangladesh by emphasizing that “The threats posed by Islamist terrorists and various terrorist groups are driven by the same ideology and objective, which is fundamentally an attempt to establish an Islamic caliphate.” Within hours of her statement being published, the office of the Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh issued a protest.
Gabbard’s statement highlights the importance of addressing the rise of Islamic extremism, minority persecution, and terrorism threats in Bangladesh. In this context, a critical question arises—Is Bangladesh, a country known for its centuries-old communal harmony, truly in danger? Or is this merely a part of international politics? To find the correct answers, it is essential to analyze Bangladesh’s future political landscape, power transitions, internal situations, and international influences.
Why is this division, persecution, and oppression occurring in a country that has long been known for the peaceful coexistence of different religions? The brutal persecution of minority communities is not just a social and political concern but also a severe threat to democratic values, law and order, and humanitarian principles.
Minorities in Bangladesh have faced varying degrees of persecution under every government. However, after the political shift on August 5, a new wave of oppression, particularly against the Hindu community, began. Many were reminded of the horrific brutality by the Jamaat-BNP alliance following the October 1, 2001, general election. The day before Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left the country on August 5, attacks against minorities resumed.
According to the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, between August 4 and December 31, there were 2,184 targeted attacks on minorities. These included:
- 32 murders
- 133 attacks on places of worship
- 13 incidents of rape and sexual violence
- 1,906 cases of home and business attacks, looting, and arson
- 47 cases of land and business seizures
- 38 instances of physical assault
- 15 arrests on allegations of blasphemy
Details of these incidents were shared with the public during press conferences on September 19, 2024, and January 30, 2025. However, the interim government’s press wing dismissed these statistics as exaggerated and politically motivated. This denial emboldened communal forces and increased crime rates. Had the authorities taken strict action based on the Unity Council’s data, Bangladesh could have restored its lost tradition of communal harmony.
According to the Council, violence against ethnic and indigenous minorities has continued into 2025. In just the first two months of the year (January and February), there were 92 targeted attacks, including:
- 11 murders
- 3 rapes
- 25 attacks on temples
- 1 blasphemy accusation
- 6 attacks on indigenous people
- 38 cases of looting and vandalism
- 2 cases of forced job terminations
- 6 other violent incidents
This wave of violence has continued into March as well. Several human rights organizations and minority platforms have documented numerous cases of attacks on minority communities, vandalism of places of worship, land grabs, and physical assaults.
Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians are frequently targeted by extremist groups or criminals. False rumors and fabricated blasphemy accusations are often used as a pretext for violence, suggesting a well-orchestrated conspiracy. These incidents have drawn international attention, despite the government’s efforts to control national media narratives. Officially, the government denies or downplays most cases of minority persecution. However, those involved in these attacks are often linked to fundamentalist ideologies or extremist networks.
The interim government’s strategy of labeling these incidents as “exaggerated” or “Indian media propaganda” has provided cover for fundamentalist groups, who are now engaging in anti-India rhetoric instead of addressing the real issues. The pattern of violence remains consistent—from Ramu to Nasirnagar—where false or manipulated social media posts are used as an excuse to incite attacks. The most recent instance of such violence occurred on December 3 in Monglargaon, Doarabazar, Sunamganj.
Tulsi Gabbard highlighted these concerns in her interview, describing them as a major issue for the U.S. government and the Trump administration. She stated, “The long-standing persecution, killings, and oppression of Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and other religious minorities in Bangladesh are a serious concern for the U.S. government, Donald Trump, and his administration.”
Her remarks have placed significant pressure on Bangladesh’s interim government and administration. No elected government in Bangladesh has faced such international scrutiny over minority issues before. The people of Bangladesh believe that minority persecution is not only a human rights violation but also a threat to the country’s social stability and international reputation.
When discussing Bangladesh, Gabbard linked the situation to Islamic extremism and the goal of establishing an Islamic caliphate. She remarked, “The threat of radical Islamists and the global operations of various terrorist groups are rooted in the same ideology and objective—to establish an Islamic caliphate.”
Her statements indicate that the issue of minority persecution in Bangladesh could gain more traction in Western media and become a focal point of political discourse. The protests and mass movements within Bangladesh and internationally against minority oppression are unprecedented. The growing international awareness regarding minority rights could significantly impact Bangladesh’s future political landscape.
For Bangladesh, this is a major challenge. To combat minority persecution, Islamic fundamentalism, and rising extremism while managing international pressure, the government must take firm and effective measures. First and foremost, the safety of minority communities must be ensured. Additionally, Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, the spokesperson of Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Mancha, must be released immediately. Those responsible for attacks on minorities must be swiftly arrested and given exemplary punishment, while public awareness campaigns should be launched.
Extremist groups must be identified and their supporters, financiers, and political backers must be brought to justice. In addition to stringent security measures, the government must counter propaganda and spread messages of religious harmony and tolerance. The root causes of extremism can only be eliminated through legal enforcement, social awareness, and a shift in public mindset.
Tulsi Gabbard’s warning is a wake-up call for both the Bangladeshi government and its people. If the government fails to act decisively, the country could face a deeper crisis, making the future even more uncertain. To restore Bangladesh’s international reputation as a land of harmony, all political and social groups must unite against communal violence.
Writer: Manik Lal Ghosh, Former Vice-President of the Dhaka Journalists’ Union and central executive member of Bangladesh Awami Jubo League.
