Former press secretary to the president, Ihsanul Karim was made the new press secretary of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today.

The prime minister signed his letter of appointment this afternoon, Asif Kabir, assistant press secretary to the premier, told The Daily Star.

"The appointment will be effective immediately," he said.

Former managing director and chief editor of state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ihsanul Karim is replacing AKM Shamim Chowdhury who carried out only a year's term in the position.