Tarique Rahman Sworn in as Bangladesh’s 11th Prime Minister, Forms 49-Member Cabinet

Darwin, 17 February:

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman was sworn in as the country’s 11th Prime Minister on Tuesday afternoon, following his party’s landslide victory in the 13th National Parliamentary Election.
President Mohammad Shahabuddin administered the oath of office to Rahman at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, marking the formal return of the BNP to state power after nearly two decades.
The BNP-led alliance secured an absolute majority in the February 12 election, winning 212 seats — a two-thirds majority in parliament — paving the way for the party’s sixth term in government. The election came 18 months after an interim administration took charge following the fall of the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina.
Earlier in the day, members of the newly elected parliament took oath, administered by Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin.
49-Member Cabinet Takes Oath
Alongside the Prime Minister, a 49-member cabinet — comprising 25 full ministers and 24 state ministers — was sworn in at the same অনুষ্ঠানে. Unlike the traditional venue at Bangabhaban’s Durbar Hall, the ceremony was held in the open premises of the parliament complex in line with the BNP’s decision.
A gazette notification allocating portfolios to the newly appointed ministers is expected to be issued by the Cabinet Division later in the evening.
Key Cabinet Appointments
Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives: Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir
Finance and Planning: Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury
Home Affairs: Salahuddin Ahmed
Foreign Affairs: Dr. Khalilur Rahman (Technocrat)
Education & Primary and Mass Education: A.N.M. Ehsanul Haque Milon
Health and Family Welfare: Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain
Road Transport, Bridges, Railways and Shipping: Sheikh Robiul Alam
Power, Energy and Mineral Resources: Iqbal Hasan Mahmud
Liberation War Affairs: Hafiz Uddin Ahmed (Bir Bikram)
Information and Broadcasting: Zahir Uddin Swapan
Environment, Forest and Climate Change: Abdul Awal Mintoo
Religious Affairs: Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad
Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs: Md. Asaduzzaman
Agriculture, Fisheries & Livestock and Food: Mohammad Aminur Rashid (Technocrat)
Commerce, Industries, Textiles & Jute: Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir
Labour and Employment & Expatriates’ Welfare: Ariful Haque Chowdhury

Opposition Emerges

With 68 seats, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has emerged as the প্রধান opposition party in parliament. The party has elected Dr. Shafiqur Rahman as its parliamentary leader.

The formation of the new government marks a significant political shift in Bangladesh, as the BNP returns to power after 20 years, setting the stage for a new phase in the country’s political landscape.