File photo of US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.
US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has described the situation in Bangladesh as a "major area of concern" for the United States, citing the persecution of religious minorities.
In an interview with NDTV World on Monday, Gabbard highlighted the long-standing violence and discrimination against Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and Catholics in Bangladesh. She stated that this issue has drawn significant attention from the US government and President Donald Trump’s administration.
She noted that early discussions between the new US cabinet and the Government of Bangladesh are underway, with a focus on addressing these concerns.
Expanding on the broader security threat, Gabbard said, “Islamist terrorist groups across the globe share the same ideology and goal—establishing an Islamist caliphate. This endangers people of all religions, except those they deem acceptable, and they use terror and violence to achieve it.”
She further emphasized that President Trump remains committed to identifying and countering Islamist extremism, both to protect American citizens and vulnerable communities worldwide.
Gabbard’s remarks followed her participation in a security conference in New Delhi, alongside Britain’s National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell and New Zealand’s intelligence chief Andrew Hampton. The event was hosted by India’s NSA Ajit Doval, alongside RAW Chief Ravi Sinha and Intelligence Bureau Chief Tapan Deka.
Her visit to India marks the first high-level trip by a senior US official under Trump’s second term, which began on January 20. Gabbard is also set to visit Japan, Thailand, and France as part of her international tour. She is scheduled to speak at the Raisina Dialogue, India’s premier foreign policy conference, discussing global security challenges.
