Khulna left without cabinet representation

Khulna Correspondent :

Khulna, often regarded as the political heartland of the BNP in the southwest, has been left without representation in the newly formed cabinet a development that has sparked disappointment among local leaders and residents.

Although the BNP secured a sweeping victory in four out of six parliamentary seats in Khulna more than in any other district in the division none of its elected lawmakers from the district were included in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s cabinet.

Party leaders and grassroots activists had anticipated that Azizul Bari Helal (Khulna-4), Rakibul Islam Bakul (Khulna-3), or Ali Asgar Lobi (Khulna-5) would be appointed to the cabinet. However, the final list did not feature any of them. The exclusion has triggered reactions on social media, with many expressing frustration over what they describe as continued neglect of the district in cabinet formation.

Political observers note that in the three BNP-led governments since the 1990s, no lawmaker from Khulna has been made a minister. In contrast, during each of the five Awami League administrations, Khulna had representation either as a full minister or state minister.

Advocate Babul Howlader, member secretary of Khulna Nagorik Samaj, said the absence of any minister from the district has disappointed residents. “Regional representation often accelerates local development. We had hoped that this time Khulna would finally get its due,” he said, urging reconsideration in any future cabinet reshuffle.

Despite the discontent, some party insiders remain optimistic, saying the newly formed cabinet comprising both seasoned and young faces may still deliver on governance and development commitments.