Who will be in the BNP cabinet?

“Several BNP policymakers have indicated that the cabinet will not be overly large”

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After securing a sweeping majority in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party is preparing to form the new government. The government has already published the official gazette listing the elected members of parliament.

According to Article 148 of the Constitution, elected representatives must take oath within three days of the publication of the official results. The elected members of the 13th National Parliamentary Election will take their oaths on Tuesday, and the cabinet will also take their oaths later that day. Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed the schedule at a press briefing on Saturday.

Party sources say Tarique Rahman is set to assume office as Prime Minister after the government is formed. Alongside experienced politicians, the party plans to assign key responsibilities to younger and highly educated leaders. A blend of senior and new leadership is expected in important ministries such as Home Affairs, Law, Finance, and Foreign Affairs.

Several BNP policymakers have indicated that the cabinet will not be overly large. It is expected to consist of between 32 and 42 members. BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has already begun consultations with senior leaders regarding the formation of the cabinet. However, the allocation of specific ministries will be known only after the oath ceremony.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said the nation will need to wait a little longer to see the final shape of the cabinet.

For the post of Foreign Minister, BNP Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir is being discussed, given his active role in strengthening the party’s international relations. Dr Reza Kibria is being considered for the position of Finance Minister. He previously served as a senior economist at the International Monetary Fund.

Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury is being considered for the Commerce Ministry, a position he held in the past. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is being discussed for the Local Government Ministry. He previously served as State Minister for Agriculture and later for Civil Aviation and Tourism.

Former Attorney General and senior Supreme Court lawyer Md Asaduzzaman is being mentioned for the Law Ministry. Salahuddin Ahmed is also in discussion for the Home Ministry, while Mirza Abbas is being considered for the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry.

Dr AZM Zahid Hossain is likely to take charge of the Health Ministry, and Ruhul Kabir Rizvi is being discussed for the Information Ministry. Other names reportedly under consideration include Nazrul Islam Khan, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Selima Rahman, Andaleeve Rahman Partho, Mizanur Rahman Minu and Shama Obayed, among others.

There is also speculation that the presidency may see a change after the new government is formed. Senior Standing Committee member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain is being discussed for the post. However, if Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is nominated for president, a major reshuffle in the cabinet could follow.

Other figures being discussed include Ashrafuddin Nizam, Zonayed Saki, Ishraq Hossain, Abdul Awal Mintoo, Andaleeve Rahman Partho, Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad, Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee, Anindya Islam Amit, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Osman Faruque, Bobby Hajjaj, Hummam Quader Chowdhury, Nayab Yusuf, Zahir Uddin Swapan, Barrister Farzana Sharmeen Putul, Nurul Haq Nur, Naoshad Zamir, Mir Helal, Asadul Habib Dulu, Ali Asghar Lobby, Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu, and Md Shariful Alam.

Ultimately, the final composition of the cabinet will depend on the decision of the party’s Standing Committee and Chairperson Tarique Rahman. As Prime Minister, he may revise the final list at any time, according to party insiders.

Preparations at Bangabhaban
The newly elected MPs will be sworn in Tuesday morning by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, while President Md Sahabuddin will administer the oath to the cabinet members in the afternoon.

Under the Constitution, the President will appoint as Prime Minister the parliamentary leader of the party that secures a majority in the National Parliament. As per convention, after the elected members are sworn in at the Parliament Secretariat, both the ruling party and the opposition will hold separate meetings to elect their parliamentary leaders.

The elected parliamentary leader of the majority party or alliance will then pay a courtesy call on the President at Bangabhaban. During that meeting, the President will formally invite the leader to form the government.

Following this invitation, the Prime Minister-designate will submit the names of ministers, state ministers, and deputy ministers to the President. The President will immediately forward the list to the Cabinet Division, which will complete preparations for the oath ceremony at the earliest possible time.

The Cabinet Secretary will personally call each designated cabinet member, inviting them to attend the oath ceremony at Bangabhaban. Official vehicles will also be sent to their residences.

Sources said the Cabinet Division has already collected the names and personal phone numbers of the newly elected MPs. New folders and flags have been procured for the oath ceremony, and official vehicles have been made ready for the incoming cabinet members.

Courtesy:Tanvir Hasan, Dhaka Tribune