The President made the directive when he paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban in the evening.
Abdul Hamid directed Shafiul to take necessary steps to strengthen the existing relations between Bangladesh and the World Bank, President's Press Secretary Joynal Abedin told UNB.
Lauding Shafiul’s outstanding performance and efficiency as the cabinet secretary, the President expressed the hope that he will continue to act like this in his new assignment in the days to come.
Shafiul expressed his gratitude to the President for providing heartfelt support to him and sought his cooperation in future as well.
Secretaries concerned to Bangabhaban were, among others, present during the meeting.
Mohammad Shafiul Alam, country's 21st cabinet secretary, was appointed as alternate executive director at the World Bank Group for Bangladesh for the next three years as M Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan’s tenure ends in October.
Meanwhile, Senior Secretary of the Bridges Division Khandakar Anwarul Islam was appointed as the new cabinet secretary. He will take charge on November 1.