NN Online:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has assigned Secretary Md Ruhul Alam Siddique to carry out the routine responsibilities of the Foreign Secretary, effective from May 23, until further notice.
A senior ministry official confirmed the development to UNB, stating that the change follows the current Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin’s decision to step down from his role.
Jashim Uddin, a career diplomat from the 13th BCS (Foreign Affairs) cadre, was appointed as the 27th Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh in September last year. He joined the Foreign Service in 1994 and has held various significant positions both at home and abroad.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain clarified on Wednesday that there was no issue of removal regarding Jashim Uddin. “He has requested to step down from the current responsibility for personal reasons. He remains in service, but his role is changing,” he said.
Until a new Foreign Secretary is officially appointed, Ruhul Alam Siddique will oversee the day-to-day affairs of the ministry.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s Ambassador to the United States, Asad Alam Siam, is reportedly being considered as the next Foreign Secretary. A senior MoFA official revealed that a shortlist of three candidates had been reviewed, with Ambassador Siam identified as the most senior among them.
If the current decision holds, Asad Alam Siam will become the 28th Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh.
