Bangladesh Removes Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin After Rift With PM Yunus

Dhaka: Bangladesh is once again moving towards instability. Bangladesh's interim government is going to remove its Foreign Secretary Mohammad Jashim Uddin. According to sources, Jashim Uddin's differences with Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Advisor Tauheed Hussain have increased, due to which he is being removed in less than 8 months of appointment. Jashim Uddin has opposed the 'humanitarian corridor' and 'safe zone' for Rohingya refugees in Myanmar, which is being pushed by Mohammad Yunus and his confidant NSA Khalilur Rahman.

Who will replace Jashim as Foreign Secretary?

Jashim Uddin is at odds with Bangladesh's military leadership on the issue, which believes the corridor compromises Bangladesh's sovereignty. Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman is also not in favour of the corridor. Sources say Yunus and Rahman worked ruthlessly to remove Jashim Uddin. Meanwhile, Bangladeshi media said Asad Alam Syiem is likely to be appointed as the new Foreign Secretary in place of Jashim Uddin. Syiem is currently Bangladesh's ambassador to the US.

Foreign adviser denies government's role

Bangladesh's Foreign Adviser Tauhid Hussain has confirmed Jashim Uddin's removal from the post. However, he denied the government's role in his removal and said it was his own decision. The Daily Star quoted a ministry official as saying that Siam has been instructed to return to the country and take up the new post by June 20.

Foreign Advisor Tauheed Hussain told reporters on Wednesday that he is leaving the post voluntarily in a day or two and the government is not removing him. He also said that he will still remain in the job. Only his responsibilities will change. However, there are many questions about his claim, because Jashim Uddin is not going to take charge until the next foreign secretary takes charge. Sources said that Jashim Uddin will go on a 45-day leave immediately. Foreign Ministry Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddiqui will work as caretaker until the next foreign secretary takes charge.

The decision was taken in early May

The Daily Star writes that according to foreign ministry officials, the decision to replace the foreign secretary was taken earlier this month. He said that Jashim Uddin was given several options. This included being appointed ambassador to a country of his choice or being appointed rector of the Foreign Service Academy.