US wants Dhaka to respect freedom of religion, says Miller

The United States has stated that it wants to see freedom of religion respected in Bangladesh and those responsible for any attacks held accountable.

"We have, in our discussions with Bangladeshi officials, made clear that we want to see freedom of religion respected," US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters in a regular media briefing in Washington on November 7.

Miller stated that they want to see those responsible for any attacks held accountable, as per Bangladeshi law. He added that this position applies not only in Bangladesh but anywhere in the world.

Meanwhile, India has urged Bangladesh's interim government to take action against extremist elements and ensure the safety of Hindus.

"We, yet again, urge the government of Bangladesh to take strong measures to ensure the safety of Hindus and to take action against extremist elements," Spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal told reporters at a regular briefing in New Delhi on Thursday.

He said they have observed recent attacks on the Hindu community in Chattogram, which are likely to increase tensions within the community.