Old Experience, New Perspective: A Large Cabinet

After two decades away from power, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has returned to governance, inaugurating a new chapter in the nation’s political landscape. Party chairman Tareq Rahman took the oath as Prime Minister and unveiled a 50-member cabinet that blends seasoned leaders with mid-level and emerging figures.

The swearing-in ceremony took place yesterday, Tuesday, at the South Plaza of the National Parliament House, officiated by President Mohammad Sahabuddin. This marked the official commencement of the long-anticipated government.

A Cabinet Across Three Generations

Analysis of the new cabinet reveals a deliberate mix of three generations of political leaders. Many have assumed ministerial or deputy ministerial roles for the first time, including newly elected MPs. While the majority are fresh faces, some senior figures carry substantial experience, and a few appointments have drawn controversy.

Among the senior BNP leadership, key figures such as Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee members Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, and Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed were sworn in, as widely expected.

However, notable omissions include Standing Committee members Khandkar Mosharraf Hossain and Abdul Moyeen Khan. Speculation suggests Mosharraf Hossain may assume the presidency and Moyeen Khan the speakership of Parliament, explaining their exclusion from the cabinet.

Several senior committee members, including Mirza Abbas and Nazrul Islam Khan, are not ministers but have been appointed as advisors with ministerial rank. The advisory group also includes economists and technocrats, such as Professor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir.

High-Profile New Faces

The most discussed appointment is Khalilur Rahman, previously national security adviser under the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus. Despite past controversies, he has been appointed Foreign Minister, marking an unusual continuity from the caretaker administration to the elected BNP government.

Prime Minister Tareq Rahman, elected for the first time, heads a cabinet where 25 are full ministers and 24 are deputy ministers. Among the full ministers, nine have prior ministerial experience, nine are first-time MPs, and seven are former MPs without ministerial experience. All 24 deputy ministers are new to these responsibilities, with 21 first-time MPs and three exceptions including one technocrat.

The cabinet features numerous fresh faces, including ministers such as E Z M Zahid Hossain, Abdul Awal Mintu, Mizanur Rahman Minu, Ariful Haque Chowdhury, and Sheikh Robiul Alam, among others. Some deputy ministers also bring specialised expertise or party leadership experience.

Public Reception and Expectations

The swearing-in ceremony, held openly at the Parliament’s South Plaza, attracted large crowds. Citizens expressed optimism about the new government, with one visitor from Manikganj stating, “We are delighted to witness the BNP taking office. We believe Tareq Rahman will lead Bangladesh forward.”

Political analysts note that the cabinet’s blend of experienced and new leaders offers both potential and uncertainty. Its effectiveness will depend on the distribution of responsibilities, policy-making, and implementation at the grassroots level.