The French embassy in Dhaka has terminated three Bangladeshi employees for their alleged involvement in sharing the Bangladesh interim authority’s response to recent remarks by US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard. The dismissed employees are suspected of disseminating the statement, which was critical of Gabbard’s comments on rising Islamist fundamentalism in Bangladesh.
Influence from Yunus’ Press Division
According to sources within the Bangladeshi government and media, a senior official in Mohammad Yunus’ Press division—formerly the Dhaka bureau chief of Agence France-Presse (AFP)—played a key role in circulating the statement. This official allegedly facilitated the hiring of one of the dismissed employees in the French embassy’s communications section.
Officials familiar with the matter told Northeast News that this individual orchestrated the release of the interim authority’s response via the French embassy’s platform, which raised concerns over diplomatic protocol violations.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy began on March 17, when the office of Bangladesh’s interim chief advisor, Mohammad Yunus, issued a statement strongly rejecting Gabbard’s claims. The US official had accused Bangladesh of persecuting religious minorities and warned of the growing influence of Islamist militant groups seeking to establish an Islamic caliphate.
The interim government’s response dismissed these allegations, calling them “misleading” and damaging to Bangladesh’s international reputation. It asserted that the country’s practice of Islam remains inclusive and that significant progress has been made in combating extremism and terrorism.
However, political analysts and government officials gave questioned the accuracy of the response, pointing to the situation on the ground.
Concerns Over Rising Violence
Since August 8, 2024, Bangladesh has seen a surge in violence against Hindu minorities and the Sufi community. Reports indicate that these attacks have involved killings, grievous injuries, sexual violence, and the destruction of religious sites. Critics argue that the Yunus administration has downplayed these incidents, attributing them to broader political unrest linked to the Awami League.
Furthermore, sources allege that the interim government has released convicted terrorists shortly after assuming power. No senior officials within the administration have publicly opposed these actions, which have been widely condemned as a dangerous precedent.
Diplomatic Fallout
The involvement of a former AFP journalist in this controversy has raised additional concerns, with sources suggesting that he has longstanding connections to Islamist groups in Bangladesh. His recent attempt to spread false information—specifically a fabricated Indian Aadhaar card claiming ties to Sheikh Hasina’s family—further undermines his credibility.
The French embassy’s decision to dismiss the three employees underscores the diplomatic sensitivity of the issue. It also highlights the challenges faced by foreign missions in navigating Bangladesh’s complex political landscape.
The incident is likely to have broader implications for Bangladesh’s diplomatic relations with France and other Western nations, especially as concerns over political instability and religious extremism continue to grow.