The United States (US) has welcomed measures taken by Bangladesh’s interim government to ensure safety and security for all in Bangladesh, noting that they “condemn” any instances of violence or intolerance directed toward members of minority communities in any country.

“That’s what we’re watching. That’s what we expect. And that will be what continues,” said US State Department’s Spokesperson Tammy Bruce while responding to a question at a regular media briefing in Washington on March 19 when a questioner referred to US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard’s recent remarks.

Reacting to remarks made by Tulsi Gabbard, the interim government on Monday said groundlessly linking Bangladesh to the idea of an "Islamist caliphate” undermines the hard work of countless Bangladeshis and their friends and partners around the world who are committed to peace, stability and progress.

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In a statement shared by the Chief Adviser’s press wing, the government said Bangladesh strongly condemns any efforts to link the country to any form of “Islamist caliphate”.

The government noted with deep concern and distress the remarks made by 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, the interim government said, 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.

"Gabbard's comments are not based on any evidence or specific allegations. They paint an entire nation with a broad and unjustified brush," said the government in its statement.

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 government said.