'...It's all his speculation': Bangladesh minister refutes reports on threats to US Ambassador Peter Haas

Amid reports in Dhaka claimed that politicians from the ruling party allegedly threatened US Ambassador Peter Haas over his perceived interference in the elections, Bangladesh State Minister of Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam on Monday rubbished these allegations and called the departure of the ambassador from the country "unfortunate."Speaking to ANI news agency, Alam said, "I have a responsibility. All the ambassadors who are posted here are our guests and we are supposed to look after them. Provide them with high security as much as they are also responsible for offering the interests of Bangladeshi diplomats abroad. We know for sure where he is, it's all his speculation. It's unfortunate we shouldn't be discussing all this. But I'm not supposed to disclose his location, it, personal information and its official information. But we know."Following the announcement of the election date by the election commission, the US Ambassador is reported to have left the country. Bangladesh is set to hold its general election on January 7.Sources in Bangladesh said the current status of the US Ambassador to Bangladesh reveals he is presently in Sri Lanka.

The United States condemned the political violence that took place in Dhaka in October and said that it will be "reviewing all violent incidents for possible visa restrictions".The statement came after a police officer and a political activist were killed during the clashes between the BNP and police."We call for calm and restraint on all sides. We will be reviewing all violent incidents for possible visa restrictions," the statement read.With inputs from agencies