Bangladeshi-American gets key WH post

United States President-elect Joe Biden has named Bangladeshi-American Zayn Siddique for a key position in the office of White House deputy chief of staff.

According to a series of new announcements made by the Biden Transition Team on Wednesday, Siddique has been named senior advisor to the White House deputy chief of staff. He becomes the first Bangladeshi-American to be appointed to a senior position in the incoming Biden administration.

Originally from Bangladesh but raised in New York, Siddique is a graduate of Princeton University and Yale Law School.

He has been working as chief of staff for Domestic and Economic Team of the Biden-Harris Transition Team. He was also a member of Vice President-elect Harris's prep team for the 2020 vice-presidential debate.

Previously, Siddique was deputy policy director for Beto O'Rourke's presidential campaign and a senior policy adviser to his senate campaign.

He also served as a law clerk to Justice Elena Kagan of the US Supreme Court, Judge David Tatel of the US Court of Appeals for DC Circuit, and Judge Dean Pregerson of the US District Court for Central District of California.

In between his clerkships, Siddique practised law as an associate at Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP.

Biden has said that he will have one of the most diverse administrations in American history.

"I'm going to keep my commitment that the administration, both in the White House and outside in the Cabinet, is going to look like the country," he said recently.

"To tackle the challenges facing our country and restore faith in government, we must build an administration with experienced, principled, and dedicated appointees. These individuals are part of a White House staff that is ready to make a difference in the lives of working families," Biden said.

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris said these dedicated public servants reflected the very best of the nation.

"They have the knowledge and expertise to help us meet the unprecedented challenges facing the American people. And President-elect Biden and I look forward to working with them to contain this pandemic, provide more relief for families and businesses, and rebuild our country in a way that lifts up all Americans," she said.