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Published : 21 May 2025, 08:25 PM
The interim government is preparing to replace Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin, only eight months after he took office, with a new appointment expected to be announced within the next few days.
Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain shared the development on Wednesday, as signs of discomfort within the foreign ministry over the decision emerged.
In response to a question, Touhid said the matter does not involve any dismissal. “The foreign secretary may wish to step down for several reasons, and we are allowing him to do so.”
“By stepping aside, I mean leaving this responsibility. He will hand over the charge within the next couple of days,” he added.
Amid sweeping changes in the foreign ministry, Jashim took office as foreign secretary barely a month after a student-led mass movement toppled the Awami League government on Aug 5.
A member of the 13th batch of the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) Foreign Service cadre, Jashim assumed the role on Sept 8.
He is due for post-retirement leave in December 2026.
Officials at the ministry say there are discussions about sending him abroad again as an ambassador, a role he earlier held in China, Qatar, and Greece.
On whether Jashim was going on leave or resigning, Touhid said: “Why would he resign? He is still in service.
“Since he remains in service, only his responsibility will change.”
About who might be appointed next, Touhid, himself a former foreign secretary, said: “You’ll know in a couple of days.”
Asked if the decision was influenced by external pressure, he said: “Look, any decision involves many interests and views — that’s always the case.”
“In the government, no decision is ever made by one person. Sometimes decisions change based on broader considerations,” he added.
More than a month has passed since Md Sufiur Rahman, appointed as special assistant to the chief advisor with the rank of state minister, but he has yet to join the foreign ministry.
Uncertainty has emerged over his assumption of duties, despite having served as Bangladesh’s ambassador to four countries during Hasina’s tenure.
Asked about Sufiur’s status, Touhid said: “He hasn’t joined yet. When the government decides, he will either take charge or he won’t.”
Touhid downplayed concerns over the delay in Sufiur’s joining.
He said internal discussions on his assignment or a possible change in role are ongoing and will be clarified in due course.
