Durga Puja: A Pledge of Harmony, a Question of Security
Durga Puja: A Pledge of Harmony, a Question of Security Autumn’s white clouds, swaying kash flowers and the beat of the dhak herald the return…
Following the prime minister’s oath-taking, members of the new cabinet were sworn in separately by the President. The ceremony formally launched the journey of the new government led by Tarique Rahman and signalled the return of a BNP-led administration after nearly two decades. The BNP last governed Bangladesh from 2001 to 2006.
In the 13th national parliamentary election held last Thursday, the BNP won 209 seats, while its alliance partners secured three more. With this mandate, the party formed the new government.
The newly formed cabinet comprises 50 members, including 25 full ministers, 24 state ministers, and three technocrats. A notable feature of this cabinet is the inclusion of many new faces. Several leaders have entered the cabinet for the first time, including some who were elected to parliament for the first time and were immediately appointed to ministerial positions.
Of the 25 full ministers, 17 are first-time ministers. Among the 24 state ministers, all are new to their roles. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman himself is also serving as a member of the cabinet for the first time.
First-time Ministers:
Tarique Rahman; A Z M Zahid Hossain; Khalilur Rahman (technocrat); Abdul Awal Mintoo; Mizanur Rahman Minu; Khandaker Abdul Moktadir; Ariful Haque Chowdhury; Zahir Uddin Swapan; Mohammad Amin ur Rashid (technocrat); Afroza Khanam Rita; Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie; Md Asaduzzaman; Zakaria Taher Suman; Dipen Dewan; Fakir Mahbub Anam Swapan; Sardar Sakhawat Hossain Babul; and Sheikh Rabiul Alam.
First-time State Ministers:
M Rashiduzzaman Millat; Anindya Islam Amit; Md Shariful Alam; Shama Obaied Islam; Sultan Salahuddin Tuku; Kaisar Kamal; Farhad Hossain Azad; Aminul Haque (technocrat); Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin; Habibur Rashid; Md Rajib Ahsan; Md Abdul Bari; Mir Shahe Alam; Zunaid Saki; Ishrak Hossain; Farzana Sharmin; Sheikh Faridul Islam; Nurul Haque; Yaser Khan Chowdhury; Iqbal Hossain; M A Muhit; Ahmed Sohel Manjur; Bobby Hajjaj; and Ali Newaz Mahmud Khayam.
The new cabinet is expected to outline its policy priorities in the coming days as the government begins its term amid high public expectations for political stability, inclusive governance, and institutional reforms.
