In a highly surprising move, the French Embassy in Dhaka shared the Bangladesh government’s protest note on its page, responding to a statement made by CIA Chief Tulsi Gabbard regarding the rise of Islamists in Bangladesh and US President Donald Trump’s commitment to punishing terrorists.

This bold action is unprecedented for diplomats from a third-party country to intervene in a dispute between two other nations. Yet, the French Embassy in Dhaka has effectively expressed its diplomatic stance against the US on the matter concerning Bangladesh.

To an extent, the situation somewhat mirrors the broader European support for Ukrainian President Zelensky, particularly when President Trump dismissed him during a recent Oval Office meeting. While the comparison between Zelensky and Dr. Yunus may not be direct, it evokes memories of European nations’ reactions to Donald Trump, particularly the stance taken by the French Embassy in Dhaka.

The verified page of the Ambassade de France au Bangladesh (French Embassy in Dhaka) posted the protest text, directly sourced from the page of the Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh.

Statement: Bangladesh Interim Government’s Response to Comments Made by DNI Tulsi Gabbard

DHAKA, March 17: “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.

Gabbard’s comments are not based on any evidence or specific allegations. They unfairly paint an entire nation with a broad and unjustified brush. Bangladesh, like many countries around the world, has faced challenges with extremism but 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.

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. Bangladesh strongly condemns any efforts to link the country to any form of ‘Islamist caliphate’.

Political leaders and public figures should base their statements, especially on sensitive issues, on actual knowledge and take care not to reinforce harmful stereotypes, stoke fears, or potentially incite sectarian tensions.

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”.

Earlier, on Sunday, US Intelligence Chief Tulsi Gabbard told NDTV during her visit to India, “President Donald Trump is truly worried about the present situation in Bangladesh over the longtime unfortunate persecution, killing, and abuse of religious minorities like Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians”.

“The longstanding unfortunate persecution, killing, and abuse of religious minorities like Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and others has been a major area of concern for the US government and President Trump and his administration”, she added.

The French Embassy’s post has generated thousands of reactions and comments.

One user, Anis Khan, commented, “We have seen from France that the house at Dhanmondi-32 was demolished, even bulldozed, by Islamic militant leader Pinaki and his group. That day, at Dhanmondi-32, we saw the black flag of the jihadists on that house. It is now proven that France is supporting the rise of militancy in Bangladesh”.

Another user, Imran Ahmed, said, “Tulsi is absolutely right. Yunus has freed thousands of Islamic jihadis. He has turned Bangladesh into a failed state very quickly”.

While many criticized the French Embassy’s position, others voiced support. Sumon Khan, for instance, commented, “Extremely thankful to the Bangladesh French Embassy. The Indian prime minister & government shelter Awami League murderers, Prime Minister Hasina”.

This development has sparked a range of reactions, highlighting the complexity of international diplomacy and the ongoing tensions surrounding Bangladesh’s political landscape.

Upon observing the entire situation, my eyes widened, taking in every single move and counter-move on the French Embassy’s social media page! Multiple questions have arisen in my mind: Did the post shared from Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor’s page occur with de facto approval from higher authorities, or was it de jure by someone acting under the worst provocation? Taking such a stance, can France afford the risk of creating hostility with US authorities? Honestly, I have no definitive answer, but I am highly curious, both as a student of International Relations and as a former Political Advisor to the Japanese and German governments for over two decades.

In examining the Bangladesh protest, it appears that the note referred to Director National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard as an individual passionately connected to India due to her Hindu name. However, this does not acknowledge that she holds the highest office within the US Intelligence Department, tasked with safeguarding her country’s national security and interests.

Indeed, I believe that whatever she said was delivered in her official capacity, based on the highest level of information gathered by various US security agencies, and was carefully prepared to be shared with the world.

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