Dhaka, Aug 23 - Bangladesh has decided not to recognise Kosovo as an independent Balkan state, rejecting a request from the US.

Dhaka has made it clear that it would like to keep away (from the Kosovo issue), New Age newspaper said Sunday quoting Foreign Secretary Mirajul Quayes.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh James Moriarty had requested that Dhaka take the initiative while meeting Foreign Minister Dipu Moni recently.

Quayes said Bangladesh wants to maintain good relations with both the US and Russia and does not want to see one play against another.