The New Nation - Internet Edition

We would welcome to know the rank, status and position in order of protocol precedence of the US Deputy Secretary and Assistant Secretary.

We understand that the US Secretary of State is not an elected representative of the people but his/her rank and status is that of a Foreign Minister.

Our Foreign Minister and other Ministers are elected representatives of the people, they are responsible for their works and duties to the Prime Minister and who in turn, is responsible and accountable to the Parliament and confidence of the majority members of the Parliament.

Our Deputy Secretary and Assistant Secretary are government employees, their rank and status are far below the rank and status of our Prime Minister and Ministers (in lieu of Prime Minister and Ministers, the Chief Adviser and Advisers).

Our Deputy Secretary and Assistant Secretary are either not deemed fit or not allowed to meet and discuss any matter of national and international affairs with the President, Prime Minister and Minister, VIPs and political leaders in foreign countries.

But why do the US Deputy Secretary and Assistant Secretary frequently visit our country, meet and discuss our national and international affairs with our President, Prime Minister, Ministers, political leaders and VIPs ?

What are the service rules and regulations of US Deputy Secretary and Assistant Secretary, their mode of recruitment, selection and appointment ?

Are not the rank and status of US Deputy Secretary and Assistant Secretary same and equivalent to our Deputy and Assistant Secretary ? If so, it is O.K. If not, why ?

Would our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and US Embassy in Bangladesh kindly clarify the relevant matters for our knowledge and information ?

O.H. Kabir

Dhaka-1203