As controversy swirled over US spy chief Tulsi Gabbard’s comments on violence against minorities in Bangladesh, the White House stated on Wednesday that the United States of America appreciates the steps taken by the country’s interim government to "ensure safety and security for all". 

During a media briefing, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce was questioned about the controversy surrounding Gabbard's remarks on Islamic terrorism while discussing the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh. The journalist noted that although the US spy chief had expressed concerns without directly naming Bangladesh's Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus had strongly denied the allegations. Bruce promptly responded, stating that the United States of America strongly condemns any acts of violence or discrimination against minorities in any country.

"We condemn any instances of violence or intolerance directed towards members of minority communities in any country and have welcomed measures taken by Bangladesh's interim government to ensure safety and security for all in Bangladesh. That's what we're watching. That's what we expect. And that will be what continues," she said.

Gabbard's recent remarks to an Indian TV channel have sparked controversy after she claimed that violence against minorities in Bangladesh and the threat of Islamic terrorists in the country were rooted in the "ideology and objective to rule and govern with an Islamist Caliphate." She also stated that while discussions between US President Donald Trump and the Muhammad Yunus-led Bangladesh interim government were just beginning, the issue of Islamic terrorism remained a "central focus of concern." Her comments were criticised by the Bangladesh government, which condemned them as "misleading and damaging" to the country’s reputation. In a statement, the Bangladesh Chief Adviser’s office argued that Gabbard’s remarks unfairly painted an "entire nation with a broad and unjustified brush."

"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," the statement read.

The statement emphasised that while Bangladesh has faced challenges related to extremism, it has consistently collaborated in "partnership with the international community, including the US", to tackle these issues through law enforcement, social reforms, and other counterterrorism initiatives.