Humaiun, Shama get defined portfolios
The government has formally allocated portfolios to Foreign Affairs State Minister-1 Humaiun Kobir and State Minister-2 Shama Obaid Islam, assigning them separate areas of responsibility to assist Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman in conducting the affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to a circular issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, Humaiun Kobir will oversee bilateral and multilateral affairs, matters concerning non-resident Bangladeshis and any other responsibilities assigned to him by the foreign minister.
Shama Obaid Islam, an MP, will be responsible for a broader range of specialised areas, including the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, human rights, research and innovation, environment and climate change,
the creative economy, Bangladesh’s graduation from the least developed country category, ICT, the law of the sea and marine resources, global health diplomacy, and cultural and sports diplomacy.
The circular said both state ministers would assist the foreign minister in carrying out their respective responsibilities under his direction and supervision.
The allocation has received the approval of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, according to the ministry circular.
The division of responsibilities comes as the government seeks to strengthen its diplomatic engagement on both traditional foreign policy priorities and emerging areas, including climate change, global health, maritime affairs, technology and the creative economy.
Humaiun Kobir’s portfolio places him at the centre of Bangladesh’s bilateral and multilateral diplomatic engagement, while also giving him responsibility for issues involving Bangladeshis living abroad.
Shama Obaid Islam’s portfolio covers a wider range of thematic and parliamentary issues, including human rights, climate diplomacy, LDC graduation, maritime affairs and cultural diplomacy.
The formal allocation is expected to provide greater clarity over the respective roles of the two state ministers as they work alongside the foreign minister on Bangladesh’s foreign policy and international engagement.
