Tuesday’s oath-taking of Tarik Rahman as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister signals a new chapter in the country’s leadership landscape. As BNP Chairman, Rahman steps into the role long held by women, bringing a fresh dynamic to governance after years of continuity.
Hosted at the South Plaza of the National Parliament, President Mohammed Shahabuddin led the proceedings at around 4:15 PM. In a bold move, Rahman assembled a 49-person cabinet – 25 ministers and 24 state ministers – to ensure wide representation and efficient policy execution.
Critical portfolios went to Dr. Khalilur Rahman (Foreign Affairs), Shama Obaid (Foreign State), Amir Khasru Mahmud (Finance & Planning), Salauddin Ahmed (Home), Abdul Awal Mintu (Environment & Forests), and Khandaker Abdul Muktadir (Commerce).
The 25 ministers include stalwarts like Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Hafizuddin Ahmed Bir Bikram, Abu Zafar MD Jahid Hossain, Kazi Shah Moefizul Hossain Kaikobad, Mizanur Rahman Minu, Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Ariful Haq Chowdhury, Zaheer Uddin Swapn, Afroza Khanam Rita, MD Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Ani, Asadul Habib Dulu, MD Asaduzzaman, Zakaria Tahir, Dipen Dewan, ANM Ehsanul Haq Milan, Sardar MD Sakawat Hossain, Fakir Mahbub Anam, Sheikh Robiul Alam, Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid, Abdul Awal Mintu, Salauddin Ahmed, and Khalilur Rahman.
Joining as state ministers: M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Anindya Islam Amit, MD Shariful Alam, Shama Obaid Islam, Sultan Salauddin Tuku, Barrister Kaiser Kamal, Farhad Hossain Azad, MD Aminul Haq (technocrat), Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, Habib ur Rashid, MD Rajib Ahsan, MD Abdul Bari, Mir Shah-e-Alam, Junaid Saki, Ishraq Hossain, Farzana Sharmin, Sheikh Faridul Islam, Nurul Haq Nur, Yaser Khan Chowdhury, M Iqbal Hossain, MA Muhith, Ahmad Sohail Manzoor, Bobby Hajjaj, and Ali Nawaz Mahmud Khayyam.
Facing headwinds like fiscal strains and security issues, Rahman’s team commits to proactive reforms. Expect emphasis on economic revitalization, inclusive growth, and strengthened global ties as the administration charts its course.