Dhaka, July 8 -- The government has granted the status of a state minister to newly appointed Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, Irene Khan, an internationally renowned human rights activist.

The Cabinet Division on Wednesday issued a gazette notification stating that she will enjoy the status of a state minister and related facilities during her tenure.

Meanwhile, the government is likely to appoint Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, the current Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York, as the next Foreign Secretary, officials in Dhaka told UNB.

Under the proposed reshuffle, current Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam is expected to be posted to New Delhi as Banglade...