State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam. File Photo

DHAKA, July 9, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today said recent diplomatic reshuffles are being made on the basis of merit, efficiency, dedication and qualifications, dismissing suggestions that political affiliation determines government appointments.

"These reshuffles are made based on merit, efficiency, dedication and qualifications," she told reporters at the foreign ministry this afternoon. 

The state minister described changes in government ministries as a continuous administrative process and said such reshuffles are not unusual.

Shama Obaed dismissed suggestions that appointments are influenced by political affiliation, saying no one is being appointed because of membership in the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) or any other political party.

She said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, places the highest priority on performance and efficiency across all ministries, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"If you closely follow the work and decisions of the Honourable Prime Minister, you will see that the foremost consideration across all ministries, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is performance and efficiency," she said.

The state minister said the government gives importance to individuals who are competent, sincerely committed to serving the country and capable of performing their responsibilities efficiently.

She said love for the country, dedication to public service; professional competence and qualifications are the key criteria for appointments in any ministry.

Calling the reshuffles an ongoing administrative process, Shama Obaed said the reasons and details of specific postings would become clear once the government issues the official gazette notifications.

"When the decisions are finalised and the government publishes the official gazette notification, you will know the details," she added.