Victory celebrations morph into governance mode for Bangladesh’s BNP after clinching the 13th parliamentary elections with a thumping majority. The new cabinet’s inauguration on February 17 caps a whirlwind of behind-the-scenes strategizing, with the official MP list already gazetted.
Dhaka Tribune sources indicate Tarique Rahman’s Prime Ministerial role is locked, with consultations emphasizing merit and renewal. A compact cabinet of 32-42 is envisioned, targeting vital areas like security, economy, and diplomacy.
Hot contenders: Humayun Kabir for Foreign Affairs, riding his international advocacy. Finance to IMF alum Dr. Reza Kibria. Commerce veteran Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury likely returns. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir for Local Government, backed by his ministerial track record.
Home Affairs eyes Salahuddin Ahmad; Law, the erudite Mohammad Asaduzzaman; Road Transport, Mirza Abbas. Health to Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain; Information, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Stalwarts like Gyeshwar Chandra Roy, Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku feature prominently.
More names surface: Nazrul Islam Khan, Shama Obaid, Mijanur Rahman Minu, and a younger brigade including Ishraq Hossain, Anindya Islam Amit, and Barrister Farzana Shirin Putul. Dr. Khandaker Mosarraf Hossain is tipped for President.
This lineup signals BNP’s commitment to inclusive, capable leadership, setting the tone for policy reforms and national revival in the coming term.