Bangladesh Names Asad Siam as New Envoy to India

Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam will serve as Bangladesh’s new envoy to India, taking over from his predecessor as the new head of Bangladesh’s High Commission in New Delhi at a crucial moment in the relationship between the two countries. The decision coincides with the discussion between India and Bangladesh on the timing of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s planned visit to India, which could be scheduled for November. Siam had previous experience in diplomacy as an ambassador to Washington, while the incumbent High Commissioner, Riaz Hamidullah, will move to Geneva as the country’s ambassador to the United Nations Office.

Asad Alam Siam to Head Bangladesh Mission

Asad Alam Siam will succeed the incumbent Riaz Hamidullah, who has been serving as Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India since February 2025.

Siam had previously served as Bangladesh’s ambassador to Washington, DC, thus having previous experience in conducting diplomacy with a major international player.

His new posting comes against the backdrop of negotiations between Dhaka and New Delhi regarding a potential visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Appointment of Tarique Rahman to Visit Possible India

This comes amid continued diplomatic interaction among the two neighbouring nations.

India had extended an invitation to Tarique Rahman to participate in the BRICS Summit in New Delhi from September 12 to 13.

Bangladesh and India are at present considering the dates of a possible bilateral visit of the Bangladesh prime minister. It can happen in November as per the report.

Therefore, this appointment of the new high commissioner is happening amid continued diplomatic interaction of the two nations.

Riaz Hamidullah to Shift Base to Geneva

According to sources, outgoing High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah would depart from New Delhi by the end of this month.

He has been offered the post of permanent representative of Bangladesh to the UN office in Geneva.

Hamidullah was appointed High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India last February at a very challenging time for both countries, when the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power.