BNP government 'removes' London High Commissioner Abida in first foreign mission reshuffle

PM’s advisor calls the decision “good news”, citing the need to safeguard Bangladesh’s interests and unify the diaspora

In the first foreign mission leadership change since the BNP formed the government, Bangladesh has "recalled" High Commissioner Abida Islam from London, according to Humayun Kabir, the prime minister's foreign affairs advisor.

The announcement was made Saturday night in London by Kabir, who had arrived to attend the Commonwealth ministerial meeting.

Speaking to Bangladeshi journalists as shown on Channel 24, he described the move as “good news”.

Kabir said, “Here’s good news. The high commissioner in London has been keeping the community divided, pursuing her own agenda rather than Bangladesh’s interests. She has now been recalled.”

Abida had been appointed to London in January last year by the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus following the fall of the Awami League administration on Aug 5, 2024.

She succeeded the widely discussed Saida Muna Tasneem.

A senior BCS officer, Abida previously served as Bangladesh’s ambassador to Mexico, and before that, to South Korea.

She also made history as Bangladesh’s first female deputy high commissioner in Kolkata.

Kabir attended the Commonwealth meeting alongside Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, highlighting discussions on matters of shared interest.