Habiganj's Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury Iqbal Becomes Commerce Secretary, Joy in His Home District
Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury Iqbal, a son of Habiganj, has become Commerce Secretary. News that an administrative official from this Sylhet Division district has taken charge as secretary of one of the country's most important ministries has naturally created an atmosphere of joy and pride in his home district.
The Ministry of Commerce looks after important matters such as the country's trade policy, imports and exports, market management and the government's liaison with the business community. As the administrative head of that ministry, the secretary's role extends from policymaking to implementation.
Habiganj is an important district of Sylhet Division — known for its tea gardens, haors, agriculture and a large expatriate population, the district's people have long contributed to many professions including the country's administration. Continuing that tradition, this son of the district has now taken the Commerce Secretary's chair.
Locally he is being described as a 'kriti santan' — an accomplished son of the soil — and that description alone shows how respectfully people in his own area view this achievement. Many local people believe that when a district's sons and daughters reach high positions in the state, young people in that area also grow more interested in higher education and public service.
The responsibility of Commerce Secretary has come to his shoulders at a time when prices of daily essentials in the country's markets, the import-export balance and the various demands of traders are in everyday discussion. The ministry's decisions on these matters directly affect ordinary people's lives.
Ministry of Commerce policy is also extremely important for export-oriented sectors. The leadership at secretary level plays a major role in retaining export markets for products including ready-made garments, finding new markets and advancing relations with trading partner countries.
National trade policy also has an indirect connection with Sylhet Division's economy. Remittances sent by this division's expatriates, the tea industry, and trade in stone and agricultural products — all are affected by national trade policy. It is therefore natural that expectations have also grown among local business circles now that a son of the division has received this responsibility.
For the people of Habiganj district, this news is not merely news of an administrative posting; it is being seen as recognition of their district's merit and labour. The wave of congratulations at the social level is a reflection of that feeling.
The post of secretary is one of the highest responsibilities in an administrative career. Administrative approval of the ministry's file decisions, coordination of subordinate offices and implementation of the minister's policy direction all rest with the secretary.
The challenge now before Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury Iqbal in his new responsibility is to carry forward the Commerce Ministry's ongoing programmes. From keeping the market stable to increasing exports — stakeholders will be watching his decisions in every area.
The people of Habiganj hope that this accomplished son of their district, alongside discharging his national responsibility, will also remember the welfare of the people of his area. All eyes will now be on the start of his official work and the ministry's next steps.
