People of different faiths generally coexist peacefully in Bangladesh, said US Ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom Rashad Hussain, after he met with community and political leaders in the country. The remark is significant as it came months after the country saw targeted violence across several districts against its Hindu minority.

Hussain, who was on a four-day visit to Bangladesh, said, "By and large, from my observation, for example, I see Hindus and Muslims are living together peacefully." He also met Shahriar Alam, Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs, and discussed several issues, including ways to promote communal harmony.

Significantly, Hussain, who had expressed concern over violence against Hindus last year during the Durga Puja celebration, said he was also encouraged by the fact that the Bangladesh government issued strong statements condemning the violence.

During his visit, Hussain, who is the first Muslim-American to ever hold the post, visited the Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar and also met leaders of Hindu-Bouddha-Christian Oikya Parishad, and interacted with students in Dhaka, reported The Daily Star.

SThe US, he said, believes in the religious freedom of all -- Christians, Buddhists, Muslims, and Hindus. "We want to see religious freedom for all people everywhere in the world. Whether it is Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, or the United States. That's our message here."