Asad Alam Siam appointed Bangladesh High Commissioner to India

Bangladesh has appointed career diplomat and current Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam as its new High Commissioner to India. Siam is scheduled to assume his duties in New Delhi on November 16, succeeding Riaz Hamidullah, who has transitioned to his role as the Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva and Ambassador to Switzerland.

The appointment occurs during a period of complex bilateral relations following the student-led uprising in August 2024. Key diplomatic challenges facing the new envoy include the renewal of the Ganga Water Treaty and the repatriation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Diplomatic tensions have also been marked by recent allegations regarding secret meetings between political figures and Indian intelligence officials, as well as the absence of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman from the BRICS Summit in New Delhi despite an invitation.