Bangladesh envoy in London withdrawn

The government has withdrawn Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Abida Islam from her post.

Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Advisor Humayun Kabir told reporters after arriving in London to attend the Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on Saturday (March 7) night local time.

He said there were various complaints about the activities of the Bangladesh High Commission in London. The government has decided to withdraw her, especially after allegations of creating division within the community and bias in the activities of the mission were raised.

Humayun Kabir said High Commissioner Abida Islam has been removed from her post.

This is the first change in the post of head of a Bangladesh mission abroad after the new government took office.

The interim government led by Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus appointed Abida Islam as Bangladesh's High Commissioner to the UK in January 2025.

Abida Islam, a 15th batch professional diplomat, previously served as Bangladesh's Ambassador to Mexico. She also served as Bangladesh's Ambassador to South Korea and Bangladesh's first female Deputy High Commissioner (Head of Mission) in Kolkata.