Shama says wait for official word

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has urged journalists to wait for an official statement from Bangladesh or India amid reports that New Delhi has yet to approve Asad Alam Siam as Dhaka’s next high commissioner.

She made the remarks at the foreign ministry on Wednesday when asked about a report in Indian media on the proposed appointment.

“Until there is specific information or a statement from either Bangladesh’s foreign ministry or the Indian government, I would request that these reports not be given credence,” Shama said.

“I would also request that such reports not be published.”

Indian news outlet ThePrint reported that New Delhi had yet to give its consent to Siam's appointment more than a month after Dhaka sought its approval.

Bangladesh began the process of appointing new ambassadors and high commissioners to several countries in July, according to the report.

As part of the process, Dhaka proposed Siam as its next high commissioner to India and sought New Delhi's approval more than a month ago.

Under diplomatic convention, the host country must grant its consent, known as "agrément", before an ambassador or high commissioner can be appointed.

Bangladesh cannot formally announce Siam's appointment until that approval is received.

M Riaz Hamidullah is currently Bangladesh's high commissioner to India. He is expected to take up a new posting as Bangladesh's permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva in mid-October.

Siam's proposed appointment in New Delhi therefore remains pending, according to ThePrint's report, while neither government has publicly confirmed the status of India's approval.    �"bdnews24