Tarique Rahman’s Government: 8 Possible New Ministers

Significant changes are anticipated within Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government, which initially began its journey with a fifty-member cabinet. Discussions are currently underway regarding the expansion of the cabinet and the redistribution of portfolios to enhance administrative dynamism and reduce the burden on ministers currently handling multiple departments.

Historically, after winning the 8th National Parliamentary Election, then-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia formed a 46-member cabinet, which eventually grew to 60. It is widely expected that Tarique Rahman’s cabinet will follow a similar trajectory of gradual expansion.

A Natural Process of Governance

Commenting on the potential reshuffle, the Prime Minister’s Political Adviser and BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan stated that such changes are a standard feature of a parliamentary democratic system. "A change in the cabinet is not an unusual event; it is a very natural occurrence. However, only the Prime Minister has the authority to decide if or when this will happen. When he deems it appropriate, he may assign new responsibilities or withdraw them," he noted.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Rasheduzzaman Millat added that while rumors are circulating on social media regarding new appointments, the cabinet members have not been officially informed of any specific moves.

Current Cabinet Structure and New Faces

The cabinet currently consists of 25 Ministers and 24 State Ministers. Notably, eight Ministers and three State Ministers are managing more than one ministry. To streamline operations and increase government efficiency, the induction of three to five new faces is being seriously considered.

Potential Candidates for the Cabinet

Several prominent names have emerged in political discussions as potential additions to the Council of Ministers. Those reportedly under consideration include:

1. Abdul Moyeen Khan (Member of Parliament)

2. Barkat Ullah Bulu (Member of Parliament)

3. Zainul Abdin Farroque (Member of Parliament)

4. Ershad Ullah (Member of Parliament)

5. BM Mosharraf Hossain (Member of Parliament)

6. Selima Rahman (Reserved Seat)

7. Moazzem Hossain Alal (Technocrat Quota)

8. Mahidur Rahman (Technocrat Quota)

The addition of these experienced figures is expected to bring fresh momentum to the administration as it navigates future challenges. However, the final decision rests entirely on the Prime Minister’s official directive.