The United States warned Muslim-majority Bangladesh against undermining social and religious harmony in the country, where the Muslim Ahmadiyya sect's publications were banned in January.
"In keeping with Bangladesh's constitution, religious minorities must be protected, not stigmatized or victimized by book bannings and attacks on their places of worship," Christina Rocca, the US assistant secretary of state for South Asia, told a meeting of American investors in Dhaka on Tuesday.
"Measures to undermine social and religious equality and promote disharmony are viewed with great concern from outside Bangladesh," Rocca said on the start of a three-day visit.
The Ahmadiyya sect's publications were banned in January by the government after pressure from rival Islamic hardliners.
Zealots have repeatedly tried to attack mosques of the Ahmadiyya sect and the government has refused calls to declare them non-Muslims.
The sect, which has about 100,000 followers in Bangladesh, was founded in the 19th century in modern-day Pakistan and breaks ranks with traditional Muslim belief by leaving open the possibility that Mohammad was not the final prophet.
Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Shamser Mobin Chowdhury downplayed the comments after talks with Rocca.
"During our talks the issue (the Ahmadiyyas) was not raised," he told reporters.
Rocca is expected to visit the main mosque of the Ahmadiyya sect in Dhaka Wednesday, diplomatic sources said.
The US official was also critical of Bangladesh's confrontational politics and of the level of crime and corruption here.
Despite some achievements, Rocca said, "unfortunately the outlook is somewhat gloomy in the domestic front. Deep and bitter rivalries between the leadership of the two main political parties degrade democratic values and institutions, particularly parliament.
"Corruption is rampant, and law and order is poor, and doubts about Bangladesh's political and economic future propel many Bangladeshis to seek their future abroad.
Rocca added: "Street agitation, violence, intimidation, and general strikes belong to a bygone colonial era, and have no place in democracy."