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India has formally approved Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam’s appointment as the country’s next high commissioner to India, diplomatic sources said Tuesday.
India’s formal approval, known as an “agrément”, was handed over to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka on Tuesday afternoon, according to sources.
Siam, a career diplomat who joined Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry in 1995, is expected to take up his post in New Delhi within the next few weeks. He will succeed Riaz Hamidullah, who has been appointed Bangladesh’s new permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva.
The approval comes as Bangladesh and India seek to improve bilateral relations. Media reports had earlier said that New Delhi had delayed granting its approval for Siam’s appointment.
Relations between the two neighbours have faced challenges since the political change in Bangladesh, while the presence of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in India has remained a sensitive issue between Dhaka and New Delhi.
Diplomatic circles say Siam’s appointment will be significant as the two countries seek to strengthen engagement and address outstanding bilateral issues. His role could also be important in preparing the ground for any future visit to India by Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Source: Manabzamin.
