Desk Report:
Newly appointed Commerce Secretary Md. Ataur Rahman Khan joined the Commerce Ministry today, Tuesday (June 16, 2026).
Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir formally welcomed the Commerce Secretary to the Ministry of Commerce. He introduced the newly appointed Secretary to the officials of the ministry.
The additional secretary, joint secretary, deputy secretary and other officials of the ministry at various levels were present at the introduction ceremony organized at the conference room of the Ministry of Commerce at the Secretariat.
During the introduction ceremony, the Commerce Minister said that the newly appointed Secretary’s strong academic and professional experience and previous experience working in the Ministry of Commerce will inject new momentum into the activities of the ministry.
He said, “The Ministry of Commerce will play a more effective and fruitful role in the coming days by ensuring skilled leadership, integrated teamwork and equal opportunities for all.”
The Commerce Minister further said that currently, negotiations are underway on several Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) of Bangladesh with different countries. The FTA team will be expanded and strengthened to participate more efficiently in these important negotiations. In addition, new skilled manpower and specialized skills will be added.
He said that when the formal negotiations of the Free Trade Agreement with the European Union begin in the future, a larger and more efficient team will have to be formed. For this purpose, international cooperation will be sought to increase the necessary capacity and develop skills. The World Trade Organization (WTO) and various affiliated organizations of the European Union have also expressed interest in assisting Bangladesh in this regard.
Stressing on ensuring equal opportunities for the officials and employees of the ministry, the Commerce Minister said, “Fair treatment must be ensured for everyone, so that talented and qualified officials get the opportunity to fully utilize their skills and potential. Qualified people must be encouraged without creating any unnecessary obstacles.”
He told the Commerce Secretary, “I personally believe that your academic and professional experience has given you the ability to lead with skill. Under your leadership, the Ministry of Commerce will become a more dynamic, efficient and result-oriented institution in the coming days.”
Newly appointed Commerce Secretary Md. Ataur Rahman Khan said that everyone will have to work together to implement the goals set for the Ministry of Commerce in the current government’s 180-day action plan, the next fiscal year’s plan and the five-year development plan within the stipulated time. At this time, he expected everyone’s cooperation in taking quick decisions and implementing the capabilities of the departments and organizations under the Ministry of Commerce, ongoing agreements, policies and treaties.
He expressed hope that the set goals will be achieved with the joint efforts of the dedicated officials of the ministry under the leadership of the Commerce Minister.
Stressing on inter-ministerial coordination, he said that the inter-ministerial issues that the Ministry of Commerce has with the ministries of agriculture, industry, labor and other concerned ministries should be identified quickly and initiatives should be taken to resolve them.
Regarding the activities of Bangladesh’s trade missions abroad, he said that these missions should be more goal-oriented and result-oriented according to the needs of the time. He also emphasized on regular evaluation of the performance of the missions in achieving the set goals.
Officials at various levels including Additional Secretary, Joint Secretary, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce were present at the event.
