Bangladesh’s new government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, on Tuesday reinstated a dedicated press wing at the office of President Mohammad Shahabuddin, reversing a decision taken by the previous interim administration.
The president’s press wing was abolished under the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus.
According to a statement issued by the Public Administration Ministry, Mohammad Sarwar Alam has been reappointed as press secretary at the Bangabhaban presidential palace. The statement said he will hold the post for one year from the date he assumes charge.
Alam had been serving in the same capacity when the political transition occurred in 2024, after which the interim government terminated his contractual appointment.
At that time, the positions of deputy press secretary and assistant press secretary to the president were also abolished. Additionally, two photographers who had worked at Bangabhaban for three decades were relieved of their duties.
In the absence of an official press wing, photographs of ceremonial engagements — such as the presentation of credentials by foreign envoys and meetings with the chiefs of the army, navy and air force — were subsequently released by the respective embassies or the armed forces.
Shahabuddin was sworn in as Bangladesh’s 22nd president on April 24, 2023, during the tenure of the Awami League government.
ALSO READ: Bangladesh President summons first sitting of new parliament on March 12
In a recent interview with a leading Bangla newspaper, the president alleged that Yunus had made multiple attempts to remove him from office. He claimed that during the 18 months of the interim rule, he remained sidelined from key discussions and that several conspiracies were orchestrated against him.
