New Delhi, Sept. 28 -- Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam is set to become the country's next High Commissioner to India after New Delhi approved his appointment, paving the way for a change in Dhaka's diplomatic representation in New Delhi.
Siam is expected to take up the assignment after completing the required formalities. He will replace M Riaz Hamidullah, who is set to move to Geneva as Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Siam, a career diplomat who joined Bangladesh's Foreign Service in 1995, has held several important diplomatic positions during his career. He previously served as Bangladesh's ambassador to the United States, Austria and the Philippines and has also worked at the country's missions in Milan, Manchester, Jakarta and Bangkok.
He became Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary in June 2025 and has remained closely involved in the country's foreign policy and international engagements. His appointment in New Delhi comes at a time when India and Bangladesh are seeking to improve bilateral relations following a period of tensions. The two countries continue to engage on several sensitive issues, including Dhaka's request for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been in India since 2024.
The appointment is also significant as both countries are working towards strengthening diplomatic engagement and discussing a possible visit by Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India. Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, Bangladesh's former Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, is expected to succeed Siam as Foreign Secretary.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.