Syed Ahmed Maroof, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, has unexpectedly gone on leave and left Dhaka.
On the morning of May 11, he departed for Islamabad via Dubai. On the same day, the Pakistan High Commission informed Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs about his absence from Dhaka.
A senior official from the ministry confirmed the matter to media on Tuesday morning.
Typically, when an ambassador or high commissioner takes leave while posted in a foreign country, the host nation`s foreign ministry is formally notified.
This includes information on the duration of the leave and the name of the person who will assume the role of acting ambassador or high commissioner during the absence.
According to the senior foreign ministry official, the Pakistan High Commission informed them that Syed Maroof would be on leave starting May 11, and that Deputy High Commissioner Muhammad Asif would serve as acting high commissioner during his absence.
However, they did not initially mention how long Maroof would be away. Later, the Pakistan High Commission informally stated that he would be on a two-week leave.
The sudden leave of Syed Maroof has sparked speculation, particularly due to his recent high-profile diplomatic activity.
Following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in a popular uprising on August 5, Maroof was seen playing a very active role in reinvigorating Dhaka-Islamabad relations.
He regularly held meetings with various advisors of the interim government, as well as with both government and non-government actors.
He also played a key role in arranging visits, including those involving Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary.
Over the past nine months, Maroof had visited several districts across Bangladesh, with his most recent trip being to Cox’s Bazar on May 9.
His sudden leave, especially given his “hyperactive” diplomatic presence, has raised questions and generated speculation on social media.
Syed Ahmed Maroof began his assignment as Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Dhaka in December 2023.
