6 more ministers and state ministers take oath

The new appointments are part of a broader cabinet reshuffle that has also brought changes to the portfolios of several existing ministers

Four ministers and two state ministers were inducted into the BNP-led government on Friday, further expanding the cabinet headed by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

The newly appointed ministers and state ministers took oath at Bangabhaban on Friday (August 21), shortly after BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was sworn in as president.

The new appointments are part of a broader cabinet reshuffle that has also brought changes to the portfolios of several existing ministers.

Four New Ministers

The newly appointed ministers are as follows.

☞  Dr Abdul Moin Khan — Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives

☞ Barrister Andalib Rahman Partha — Information Minister

☞ Saching Prue Jerry — Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs

☞ M Rashiduzzaman Millat — Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism

Millat, who had previously been serving as State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, has been elevated to the rank of a full minister.

Two New State Ministers

The two newly appointed state ministers are Humayun Kabir — State Minister for Foreign Affairs and  Mohammad Shamim Kaiser Lincoln — State Minister for Religious Affairs

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir administered the oath to the newly appointed ministers and state ministers.

Changes Expected in Cabinet

The latest appointments are also expected to trigger further changes in the government’s ministerial structure.

According to relevant sources, Zahir Uddin Swapan, who is currently serving as Information Minister, is likely to be appointed as an adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Meanwhile, Afroza Khanam Rita, who is currently serving as Information Minister according to the sources, may be given responsibility for another ministry.

The possible changes indicate that the government is continuing to reorganise ministerial responsibilities alongside expanding the cabinet.

President’s Oath Preceded Cabinet Ceremony

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir took the presidential oath at around 7:30pm on Friday at the Durbar Hall of Bangabhaban.

The oath-taking ceremony of the newly appointed ministers and state ministers began immediately after the president’s ceremony.

A senior Bangabhaban official said more than 1,200 guests had been invited to attend the presidential oath-taking ceremony.

The event was attended by senior political leaders, government officials, diplomats, representatives of various institutions and other invited guests.

Cabinet Expands Further

With the induction of the six new members, the size of the cabinet led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has increased further.

The latest appointments also suggest that the government is seeking to redistribute responsibilities among ministers while strengthening its ministerial structure.

The reshuffle comes as the new administration moves to consolidate its governing team, with several ministries expected to see changes in leadership and portfolio allocation.