I have very good idea where you could be from. You are a Naval professional that is for sure.
The person who has been thanking you, supports a murderous dictatorial regime in Bangladesh, could be associated or part of it and he regularly promotes the Death Squad police force abducting and killing civilians as models of professional police force in South Asia. The political party he supports have destroyed democracy in Bangladesh and installed a pro-India dictator in a sham election on Jan 05, 2014. Just for your information. This is off topic here, but I say this to let you know why I am upset with him and his types.
As for my statement, is it any secret that Muslims are not liked or trusted through out the globe, why would this statement seem so odd to you, someone who I am sure have seen so much of the world, making many port of calls in many ports around the world? Why do I need to speak for myself to make that observation?