Two state ministers at foreign ministry to expand work scope, pace: Shama Obaid

Two state ministers at foreign ministry to expand work scope, pace: Shama Obaid

The volume, pace and scope of work at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have increased significantly compared to any time in the past. The government has decided to appoint two state ministers to facilitate the work and accelerate its pace, said State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam.

She made the remarks while responding to reporters' questions after a public dialogue titled 'Politics Lab: Empowering Young Women's Political Leadership in Bangladesh' organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) at a hotel in the capital on Saturday, August 22.

Regarding the two state ministers in the foreign ministry, Shama Obaid said the ministry has handled more work in the past six months than in any time during the previous 17 years. She noted that three new wings have been launched, and work is ongoing to curb migration and illegal immigration. Inter-ministerial focal point committees have been formed with the Ministries of Expatriates' Welfare, Culture, Labour and Commerce — which did not exist before.

She further said the Foreign Minister has been elected President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and will remain extremely busy for the next year. Therefore, the government will take decisions as needed to facilitate work and increase pace, and they will work as a team accordingly.

Regarding the Mecca Pact, she said Bangladesh's national and people's interests will be the primary consideration in joining any multilateral platform.

Shama Obaid also said it is the government's own decision whether Bangladesh will join any multilateral organisation or alliance. If any such decision is made, the Bangladeshi media will be the first to know. There is no scope to be influenced by what appears in foreign media.

It may be mentioned that the government has also appointed Humayun Kabir, the Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser, as State Minister for Foreign Affairs. A notification was issued on Friday, August 21, assigning him the portfolio.