Dhaka names its foreign secretary as next India envoy as New Delhi signals fresh start with Bangladesh 

New Delhi: Bangladesh has named its serving foreign secretary, Asad Alam Siam, as its next high commissioner to India after New Delhi granted formal agreement for the appointment. Siam is expected to replace M Riaz Hamidullah in the coming weeks as the two neighbours pursue renewed diplomatic engagement after a prolonged period of strain.

The Ministry of External Affairs spokesman, Randhir Jaiswal, said India wanted a “positive, constructive and forward looking” relationship with Bangladesh and was prepared to discuss bilateral issues through existing structured mechanisms. Asked whether Siam’s appointment showed that ties were normalizing, Jaiswal did not characterize it that way, keeping New Delhi’s position focused on continued dialogue.

Siam joined the Bangladesh foreign service in 1995 and has served as foreign secretary since June 20, 2025. His career includes ambassadorial assignments in the United States, Austria and the Philippines, along with earlier postings in Jakarta, Bangkok, Manchester and Milan and multilateral assignments in Vienna.

Siam is currently in New York as part of the Bangladesh delegation accompanying the prime minister, Tarique Rahman, for the 81st UN general assembly.

Hamidullah is expected to move to Geneva as Bangladesh’s permanent representative to the UN Office there. Placing the serving foreign secretary in New Delhi brings one of Dhaka’s most senior career diplomats into a relationship still dealing with political, border, water sharing and security differences.

As RNA Media reported earlier, India and Bangladesh have restarted discussions on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed visit to New Delhi, with officials exploring a possible November window while no dates have yet been publicly confirmed.

Hasina, water sharing remain unresolved

Dhaka continues to seek the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been in India since her government was ousted in August 2024. India has said the extradition requests are being examined through established processes and has not announced a decision.

Water sharing presents another immediate issue. The 1996 Ganga Water Treaty, which regulates lean-season flows at Farakka, completes its 30-year term this year on December 12. The Centre has been holding consultations on its future and has said concerns raised by Bihar will be considered before a decision is taken.

Practical engagement has continued despite the political friction. Officials have recently discussed resuming cross-border passenger rail services, including the Maitree Express, though Bangladesh said no final decision had been taken. Trade, energy, border management and transport links remain important to both countries, with connectivity through Bangladesh particularly significant for India’s northeast.