Published: 12:09 AM, 22 July 2026
Dhaka all set to send Asad Alam Siam to India as next High Commissioner
Bangladesh is preparing for a major reshuffle in its diplomatic corps. As part of this move, the government plans to appoint the current Foreign Secretary, Asad Alam Siam, as Bangladesh's next High Commissioner to India. Bangladesh has formally sent a request for agrémo (the host country's approval for the appointment of an ambassador or high commissioner) to the Indian government.
Multiple reliable sources at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have confirmed this information to the media.
According to the sources, the proposal was sent last week, and Dhaka is now awaiting India's approval. Asad Alam Siam was appointed Foreign Secretary on June 20, 2025, during the tenure of the interim government.
Asad Alam Siam is regarded as a skilled and experienced diplomat. He earned a bachelor's degree in Architecture from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and later completed an MBA in the Netherlands. He joined the Bangladesh Foreign Service in 1995 as a member of the 15th BCS (Foreign Affairs) cadre.
During his diplomatic career, he has served as Bangladesh's Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF); Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Vienna; Ambassador to the Philippines; First Consul General in Milan, Italy; Director General of the Europe Wing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka; Chief of Protocol; Rector of the Foreign Service Academy; and Inspector General of Missions, among other positions.
According to the sources, Bangladesh-India relations are currently going through a sensitive period of "reset" or realignment. Following the political changes of 2024, bilateral relations experienced several ups and downs.
After the BNP government led by Tarique Rahman came to power, both sides have been working to normalize relations. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally called Tarique Rahman to congratulate him and reaffirmed the "deep and enduring friendship" between the two countries. Since the BNP assumed office, India has taken several positive steps aimed at improving bilateral ties.
The Indian High Commission in Dhaka has resumed tourist visa services, cross-border passenger bus services have partially restarted, and high-level diplomatic contacts have increased.
Alongside reports of Asad Alam Siam's possible posting to New Delhi, there has been growing speculation over who will become Bangladesh's next Foreign Secretary.
According to sources, Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, is likely to be appointed as the new Foreign Secretary. Noman Chowdhury joined the Bangladesh Foreign Service in 1998. He has served as Bangladesh's Ambassador to Nepal, Deputy High Commissioner in New Delhi, and held several important positions, including at Bangladesh's Permanent Mission to the United Nations. Reports of his possible appointment have appeared in multiple media outlets during the current month.
