He served as a chief administrator of Siltie zone and played a crucial role in promoting development and mobilizing the Siltie community to fight against poverty.

He became minister of Federal Affairs after EPRDF won the 2005 national election because of his exemplary leadership as a zonal administrator.

and his outstanding performance in addressing the public interest of economic, social and good governance compared to the other zonal administrators.

Because of this extraordinary performance he has been directly promoted to the ministerial post after the 2005 national election.

During his high school studies, Siraj was known as one of the brightest minds among his friends.