New government in Dhaka recalls 4 ambassadors and UK high commissioner

The moves are part of a broader government reshuffle since the new administration took office

The newly formed BNP-led government has recalled four ambassadors appointed on a contractual basis during the interim administration, alongside the high commissioner to the United Kingdom, as part of a major reshuffle in the diplomatic corp.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a media statement on Sunday announcing the withdrawal of the heads of missions in Portugal, Poland, Mexico, and the Maldives.

The recalled contractual envoys are M Mahfuzul Haque (Portugal), Mainul Islam (Poland), Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey (Mexico), and Md Nazmul Islam (Maldives).

All four have been directed to return to the ministry's headquarters in Dhaka immediately.

In a separate move, the government has also recalled Abida Islam, the Bangladesh high commissioner in London.

The decision to withdraw the UK envoy was first disclosed in London on Saturday by Humayun Kabir, the prime minister’s foreign affairs advisor.

The ministry said these diplomats have been instructed to join the headquarters "as soon as possible".

This wave of recalls follows a series of administrative changes across various tiers of government since the new administration took office.