CAO pushes back against ‘misinformation’ over cabinet secretary's exit

The interim government cancelled Sheikh Abdur Rashid’s contractual appointment as cabinet secretary and assigned the role to M Siraj Uddin Mia

The Chief Advisor’s Office (CAO) has called for restraint amid “misinformation and speculative statements” surrounding the cancellation of Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid’s contractual appointment.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the CAO said various media outlets had circulated “assumption-based” reports following the decision.

“Various forms of misinformation and speculative statements are being circulated regarding the cancellation of the contractual appointment of Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid.”

The CAO clarified that Rashid had sought to be relieved of his duties for personal reasons several days before the election.

“However, as the election approached, and in order to maintain discipline and continuity in field administration, he agreed to continue in the role until the polls at the request of the chief advisor.”

The office called on all concerned to refrain from spreading “baseless assumptions or misleading statements” about the matter.

On Saturday, the interim government cancelled Rashid’s contractual appointment as cabinet secretary and appointed M Siraj Uddin Mia as his replacement.

Rashid had been appointed on a two-year contract in October 2024. His successor, Siraj Uddin, had been serving as principal secretary at the CAO.