The US State Department is currently considering three names for appointment as ambassador to Bangladesh, but Moriarty's name figured prominently as he is familiar with the sub-continent's politics and culture, diplomatic sources said.

They said the US president is expected to announce his nomination for next American ambassador in Dhaka next month and send it to Senate for approval.

Since Patricia A Butenis left Dhaka on June 24 to assume her responsibility in Iraq before the completion of her three-year tenure, the post of American ambassador to Bangladesh has remained vacant. Butenis took charge on March 17, 2006.

Ms Geeta Pasi is now serving as United States Chargé d' Affaires in Dhaka.

Ambassador James F Moriarty played an important role for establishing democracy during his tenure in Nepal, diplomatic sources said.

Earlier Moriarty had served as special assistant to the president of the US and senior director at the National Security Council (NSC). He was responsible for advising on and coordinating US policy on East Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific region. He also worked in the White House as NSC Director for China Affairs.

Moriarty served as minister-counsellor for political affairs at the US Embassy in Beijing. Earlier assignments in Moriarty's career included postings at the US embassies in Pakistan, Swaziland and Morocco.