BNP to blend youth and experience in new cabinet

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which won a commanding two-thirds majority in the 13th parliamentary election, plans to combine young talent with seasoned politicians in its incoming cabinet. 

The new government is expected to be formed within days, marking the party’s return to power after nearly two decades under the leadership of Chairman Tarique Rahman.

The Election Commission (EC) confirmed on Friday that the BNP had secured 209 of the 297 parliamentary seats. Following the announcement, party insiders said attention swiftly turned to the composition of the cabinet. Official publication of the gazette, which will pave the way for MPs to take their oaths under Article 148 of the Constitution, is expected by Sunday.

“A strong cabinet will be formed to rebuild Bangladesh in line with the expectations of its people,” BNP standing committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan told the Daily Sun.

On Friday evening, Tarique Rahman convened senior party leaders to review the election outcome and discuss next steps, including the formation of the government.

Among those present were party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, and standing committee members Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed.

“It was not a formal standing committee meeting, but the chairman spoke to senior leaders on various issues,” said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.

Following the meeting, Salahuddin Ahmed told waiting reporters, “Let’s wait for a while to see a good cabinet. We hope the Election Commission will publish the gazette this afternoon. After that, MPs can take their oaths and the government formation process will begin according to constitutional rules.”

A senior BNP official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the party intends to blend experienced politicians with younger members in the new cabinet. 

There are also plans to include one or two technocrats. 

Discussions suggest that Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir could be appointed president, while Tarique Rahman would take the role of prime minister.

Sources indicate key standing committee members, including Khandaker Mosharraf, Salahuddin Ahmed, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Iqbal Hassan Mahmud Tuku, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, AZM Zahid Hossain, and vice-chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo, are likely to receive senior cabinet positions.

Others, potentially filling technocrat roles, include Nazrul Islam Khan, Selima Rahman, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Humayun Kabir, Professor Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel, Mahdi Amin, and Dhaka North City BNP convener Aminul Haque. Dr Ziauddin Haider, an adviser to the chairman, may also join as a technocrat.

Among elected MPs, Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anne, ABM Ashraf Uddin Nijan, Amanullah Aman, Asadul Habib Dulu, Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu, Anindya Islam Amit, Rakibul Islam Bakul, and Mohammad Ali Asgar are under consideration. Additional figures expected to feature include Nurul Islam Moni, Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, Mujibur Rahman Sarwar, ABM Mosharraf Hossain, Zahir Uddin Swapan, Abdus Salam Pintu, Barristers Joynal Abedin and Kaiser Kamal, Advocate Fazlur Rahman, Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad, Shariful Alam, Mostafizur Rahman Babul, and Afroza Khan Rita.

Further potential cabinet members include Shyama Obaid, Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Apu, Khandaker Abdul Moktadir Chowdhury, Anam Ehsanul Haque Milan, Mohammad Shahjahan, Dr Reza Kibria, and Saeed Al Noman, alongside allied MPs Andaleeve Rahman Partha, Junayed Saki, and Nurul Haque Nur.

Speaking to reporters, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, “Having won a majority, the BNP will form the next government under the leadership of Chairman Tarique Rahman. We aim to complete all necessary procedures and establish the government by 15 February.”