Dhaka, Aug. 23 -- The United States on Friday said it joins the international community in welcoming the United Nations' decision to designate August 22 as the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.

"The United States resolves to defend and promote religious freedom everywhere," said the US Embassy in Dhaka in a press statement as the world formally recognised the victims of persecution based on religious expression.

The US recognises the open, constructive, and respectful debate of ideas, as well as interreligious, interfaith, and intercultural dialogue, at the local, national, regional, and international levels, can play a positive role in combating religious hatred, incitement, an...