Dhaka, March 18 -- Reacting to remarks made by DNI 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.

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 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...