Dr Khalilur Rahman Resigns from Key Advisory Roles

In a notable shift within the upper echelons of the interim administration, Dr Khalilur Rahman has formally tendered his resignation. Dr Rahman, a distinguished diplomat and academic, had been serving in the dual capacity of National Security Adviser and High Representative for Rohingya Affairs to the Chief Adviser.

Sources within the government confirmed the development on Tuesday afternoon. While the specific motivations behind his departure remain undisclosed, the resignation of such a high-profile official marks a significant moment for the administration as it continues to navigate complex regional security challenges and the ongoing humanitarian crisis involving the Rohingya population.

A Career of Academic and Diplomatic Distinction

Dr Khalilur Rahman’s professional trajectory is one defined by exceptional merit and international service. His academic foundation was laid at the University of Dhaka, where he secured first-class honours and ranked first in his Master’s in Economics in 1977. This academic brilliance paved the way for his entry into the Bangladesh Civil Service (Foreign Affairs) cadre in 1979.

Seeking to further refine his expertise, Dr Rahman moved to the United States, where he earned an MA in Law and Diplomacy and a PhD in Economics from the prestigious Tufts and Harvard Universities. His rare blend of economic insight and diplomatic strategy made him a versatile asset for the Bangladeshi state.

Career Highlights: Dr Khalilur Rahman

A Legacy of International Service

Between 1983 and 1985, Dr Rahman worked closely with the political leadership in Dhaka, serving in the South Asia Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and as the Private Secretary to the Foreign Minister. His international career gained momentum in 1985 when he was posted to the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the UN in New York.

By 1991, his expertise was sought by the United Nations Secretariat in Geneva, where he served as a Special Adviser at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). In his most recent roles, he was tasked with the formidable challenge of coordinating the national security apparatus and managing the diplomatic complexities of the Rohingya influx—a portfolio that required delicate balancing of domestic safety and international advocacy.

The interim government has yet to name a successor for these critical portfolios. Given the sensitivity of the Rohingya issue and national security, the appointment of a replacement is expected to be a priority for the Chief Adviser in the coming days.