New advisers to join govt operations

The government is preparing to expand its advisory team by appointing several new advisers in a bid to ease mounting pressure across ministries and speed up the implementation of its election pledges.

Officials said the initiative is aimed at improving coordination among ministries, accelerating decision-making, and helping the administration maintain the pace of work expected by the public.

Sources at the Prime Minister’s Office indicated that the new appointments are likely to be announced in the coming days, once final approvals are completed.

The move comes amid concerns within the administration that work in several ministries has slowed in recent weeks, complicating the government’s ability to respond to growing public expectations.

Officials said bringing in additional advisers would reduce the workload on existing ministers and enable ministries to operate more efficiently.

Before the Eid holidays, delays were observed in policy decisions and programme implementation in several ministries, largely due to overlapping responsibilities among senior officials.

Cabinet sources noted that many ministers are currently juggling both political and administrative responsibilities, which has made it challenging to maintain the expected pace of governance.

Pressure has been particularly noticeable in ministries responsible for policy formulation, supervising development projects, and handling urgent public-facing matters simultaneously.

Sources said the government had initially considered five to six candidates for advisory positions, but the shortlist has now been narrowed to around three individuals.

Among those being considered is Ziauddin Hyder, an adviser to BNP chairperson Tarique Rahman.

Hyder is a former senior World Bank official and has served on the BNP’s central election steering committee.

A health specialist by profession, he has worked with multiple international organisations and may be appointed with the rank of full minister.

Another potential appointee is Saimum Parvez, currently a special assistant to the BNP chairperson’s Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee and a member of the party’s central election steering committee.

An academic and researcher, Parvez has taught at universities in Bangladesh, Germany, and Norway, and has published extensively in international journals.

Officials said his expertise could support the government’s efforts to strengthen policy communication and coordination.

Party sources also indicated discussions over the possible appointment of Tanvir Ghani, president of investment firm The Osiris Group.

If selected, he may join the advisory team with the rank of state minister, bringing business and investment expertise to the administration.

A senior official at the Prime Minister’s Office, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the files related to the potential appointments are ready and could be signed soon.

However, the final list has not yet been confirmed, and discussions are ongoing. Any appointment will require approval from the highest level of government.

Officials said the Prime Minister’s Office is reviewing candidates’ qualifications, professional experience, and political alignment before making final recommendations.

Since taking office, the government has already appointed ten advisers, including five with the rank of minister and five with the rank of state minister.

They work across ministries to support policy formulation and daily administrative operations.

The planned expansion of the advisory team comes as the government faces pressure on multiple fronts.

Alongside routine governance responsibilities, ministries are tasked with delivering election promises, strengthening institutions, and managing emerging challenges such as the ongoing energy crisis.

Officials acknowledged that limited manpower has slowed progress in some areas.

A state minister said the Prime Minister is keen to build a stronger team of experts to support ministers and state ministers in handling complex policy issues.

“The government wants an expert support team alongside ministers and state ministers,” the official said.

“Some in the cabinet have limited experience, and there is also a need for expertise from abroad.”

Once appointed, the new advisers are expected to focus on policy planning, improving coordination among ministries, and expediting the review of pending decisions.

In some cases, they may also assist with international communication and engagement with development partners.

Government insiders believe the addition of experienced advisers could strengthen administrative capacity and ensure that key policy decisions are implemented more efficiently in the coming months.