Bangladesh is preparing for a major diplomatic reshuffle that could result in its current foreign secretary being the country's new ambassador to India.
The move is viewed as a major step forward in Dhaka's bid to strengthen the relationship with New Delhi at a time when regional diplomacy, trade and security cooperation are among the top priorities.
According to officials familiar with the development, the appointment will be part of more than one development in Bangladesh's foreign service that will be coming up with a redesign of Bangladesh's foreign service.
The government’s decision is not yet official, but diplomatic circles think the change is a sign of the government’s intent to place one of the country’s most experienced diplomats in one of its most strategically important foreign missions.
India and Bangladesh are two of South Asia’s most closely linked bilateral relationships based on economic cooperation, cultural ties, connectivity projects and security cooperation.
The ambassador in New Delhi is at the helm of trade talks, water sharing, border management, energy and regional connectivity efforts.
At a time when both countries are looking to maintain momentum in their partnership despite political and economic troubles in the region, many believe an experienced foreign secretary would be able to handle complicated bilateral matters and to promote cooperation in new areas such as digital technology, renewable energy and infrastructure development.
The diplomatic reshuffle, however, is also expected to lead to changes within Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the new foreign secretary may be in charge once the ambassadorial appointment is made.
Such changes are routine in a country as it tries to reconcile its diplomatic leadership with new foreign policy objectives.
India and Bangladesh have strengthened cooperation over the last decade in different sectors. Trade has increased steadily, the connectivity between rail and road links has been strengthened, and the two countries have collaborated on regional security and counter-terrorism.
Connectivity programs under regional frameworks have also enhanced economic integration among the neighbors.
Political observers say that the appointment of a senior diplomat to New Delhi shows the importance of Bangladesh in having stable and constructive relations with India.
As well as high-level visits to each other and the signing of bilateral agreements, the envoy will need to respond to the issues of the people living and doing business in both countries.
Although the decision is yet to be confirmed by Dhaka, the appointment is an indication of Bangladesh’s continued commitment to maintaining one of the country’s top diplomatic ties with one of the biggest diplomatic relationships.
And Bangladesh is likely to be seen as a step up, and it will be closely watched across South Asia, where the India-Bangladesh partnership remains one of the most important in maintaining regional stability and development.
