Rajshahi divisional commissioner withdrawn over handshake controversy

Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Md Yusuf Ali has been withdrawn and attached to the Ministry of Public Administration following an alleged breach of protocol while shaking hands with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

The Ministry of Public Administration issued a stand-release order on Tuesday evening, attributing the decision to the President without giving any reason for the withdrawal.

Yusuf Ali, who holds the rank of additional secretary, was reportedly instructed to report to his workplace in Dhaka on Wednesday morning.

He left Rajshahi by car at around 11pm on Tuesday after handing over his responsibilities, according to sources at the divisional commissioner's office.

Additional Divisional Commissioner (Revenue) Md Rezaul Alam Sarker has been assigned to serve as acting divisional commissioner.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited Rajshahi on Tuesday. His flight landed at Shah Makhdum Airport in the afternoon, and he addressed a public rally at Madrasa Maidan. After the rally, he visited a Durga Puja mandap in the city.

The prime minister returned to the airport to board his flight, scheduled for 6:55pm. Senior police and administration officials were present at the airport to see off the prime minister.

A video widely circulated on social media showed the prime minister shaking hands with officials lined up to see him off.

During the handshake with Yusuf Ali, the divisional commissioner was seen taking one or two steps forward and extending his hand in what appeared to be an attempt to pat the prime minister on the back. The prime minister was seen stepping away and gesturing for the commissioner to stay back. The footage sparked discussion on social media.

Yusuf Ali was appointed divisional commissioner of Rajshahi on 19 August 2026. Before that, he served as member-director (additional secretary) of the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC).