Sheikh Rabiul Likely to Be Removed from Road Transport Ministry

The cabinet of the BNP-led government, headed by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is poised for a major expansion and reshuffle. High-level sources within the government and the party have confirmed that new faces are likely to be inducted into at least five ministries, alongside portfolio reassignments for several sitting cabinet members. Speculation surrounding these administrative changes has intensified following the sudden resignation of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan earlier today.

The primary objective behind this strategic expansion is to enhance public service delivery and accelerate administrative dynamism. Most notably, sources indicate that Shaikh Rabiul Alam, who currently juggles the heavy portfolios of three ministries, is highly likely to be relieved of his duties at the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges. Furthermore, several other ministers currently managing multiple portfolios are expected to be reassigned to a single ministry to ensure undivided focus.

Prime Minister Aims for "One Minister, One Portfolio" Structure

According to institutional insiders, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman aims to optimize the output of highly demanding ministries by bringing in fresh leadership. The premier intends to enforce a "one minister, one portfolio" structural model to prevent administrative delays. Currently, excluding the Prime Minister, the cabinet comprises 25 full ministers and 24 state ministers, while new faces are being sought for at least 5 targeted ministries.

At present, critical sectors such as Finance, Commerce, Education, and Transport are being managed by ministers holding multiple portfolios, which analysts say has slowed down bureaucratic momentum. To ease this operational pressure and fulfill key electoral pledges, extending the cabinet size is being viewed as a timely decision. Analysts recall that during the 2001 BNP administration, the size of the cabinet was similarly expanded to 60 members based on state requirements.

Veteran Leaders and Regional Balances in the Spotlight

The upcoming expansion is expected to introduce several deputy ministers, as well as a representative from the reserved women's seats. Highly placed sources reveal that heavyweight veteran politicians—including BNP Standing Committee members Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan and Selima Rahman, alongside Vice Chairman Barkat Ullah Bulu—are under active consideration.

Key administrative details currently under discussion highlight several major shifts:

• Technocrat Inductions: The names of Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal and Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel are being strongly discussed under the technocrat quota, while Dr. Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel is being considered for a state minister portfolio.

• Parliamentary Leadership: In tandem with the cabinet shake-up, veteran leader Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain is highly likely to be appointed as the Deputy Leader of the House.

• Regional representation: Other lawmakers prominently featured in cabinet discussions include ABM Mosharraf Hossain (Patuakhali-4), Party Chairman's Adviser Mahidur Rahman, Md. Abul Kalam (Comilla-9), and Ershad Ullah (Chittagong-8).

Resignation of Dipen Dewan Triggers Immediate Vacancy

The reshuffle has effectively begun with the exit of CHT Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan, who resigned today due to acute health complications. Additional Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, Atikur Rahman Rumon, confirmed to The Daily Campus that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has officially accepted the resignation. Dewan’s exit means the CHT Affairs Ministry will definitely see a new face heading its administration, keeping regional representation intact.

When approached for a comment regarding the looming reshuffle, BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan maintained strict diplomatic protocol, stating, "The Party Chairman and Head of Government, Tarique Rahman, is the best person to speak on this matter. It is entirely within his executive jurisdiction to decide when to induct whom and where to allocate responsibilities."

According to Cabinet Division and party insiders, the formal declaration regarding these new appointments and portfolio reassignments could be announced at any moment under the special executive powers vested in the Prime Minister.