The US Department of State recently called Thomas back to Washington and informed him of the decision, added the sources.

An official at the American embassy in Dhaka yesterday confirmed that Thomas returned from Washington on Monday. But the official claimed unaware of any such developments.

A top government official, meanwhile, told The Daily Star last night that Thomas has been promoted, which is why he was called to the US capital.

Thomas was appointed as the 11th US ambassador to Bangladesh on August 11, 2003.

He joined the US foreign service in 1984 and served in India, Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Peru. He also served as senior watch officer, deputy director and director of the State Department Operations Center, special assistant to the under secretary for political affairs, and staff assistant to the assistant secretary for African affairs.

He also received a number of State Department awards, including the coveted Arnold Raphel Award for leadership, motivation and mentoring of colleagues.