Dhaka, March 18 -- US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, widely regarded as a supporter of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a vocal advocate for Hindu interests, on Monday expressed concerns about the situation in Bangladesh, claiming persecution of religious minorities.

In an interview with NDTV World, a media outlet aligned with BJP narratives, Gabbard, who has frequently spoken about her Hindu faith and has longstanding connections with rightwing Hindu organisations, focused the plight of Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Catholics, and other religious minorities in Bangladesh.

"The longtime unfortunate persecution, killing and abuse of religious minorities-Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Catholics and others...