The embassy in a press release offered its condolences to the families and friends of Tapan Kumar Roy and Liplal Marandi, who were stabbed to death in Faridpur on July 29.

"Because of the circumstances surrounding their murder, we are concerned that Mr Roy and Mr Marandi may be victims of religious extremism," the press release said.

"We understand that police have arrested three persons in connection with this case, and we hope that the perpetrators of the murders will be brought to justice lawfully and promptly," it added.

Religious freedom is a basic, constitutionally-guaranteed right in Bangladesh and other democracies, the release said, adding, it is important the government and civil society work effectively to safeguard this fundamental right.