Key cabinet changes on the cards

Speculation is mounting over a possible cabinet reshuffle in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government, with political and administrative sources indicating that changes could be made to several key ministries as part of efforts to strengthen governance and improve service delivery.

The discussions come as the government, which began its tenure with a 50-member cabinet, is also considering expanding the council of ministers.

Political observers note that cabinet expansion is not uncommon in Bangladesh, pointing out that former prime minister Khaleda Zia’s cabinet grew from 46 members to 60 during her tenure following the eighth parliamentary election.

According to sources, ministries under discussion include Local Government, Education, Health, Road Transport and Agriculture. Several experienced parliamentarians, senior politicians and one or two younger leaders are also being considered for inclusion in the cabinet or the Prime Minister’s advisory council.

Nazrul Islam Khan, the Prime Minister’s political adviser and a member of the BNP Standing Committee, described cabinet changes as a normal feature of a parliamentary democracy.

“In a parliamentary democratic system, cabinet changes are a regular practice,” he said. However, he stressed that the timing and nature of any reshuffle rest solely with the Prime Minister, who may reassign responsibilities whenever he considers it appropriate.

Political sources said discussions on the reshuffle have been influenced by concerns over the performance of several ministries.

The Local Government Ministry has drawn attention following allegations surrounding State Minister Mir Shahe Alam.

The allegations include naming a union after his child, irregularities in the transfer and posting of government officials and the accumulation of significant wealth in a short period. Sources said sections of the cabinet have recommended changes to the ministry to help restore the government’s image.

The Education Ministry is also said to be under review. According to sources, the Prime Minister is dissatisfied with a number of controversial decisions and public remarks relating to examinations during natural disasters.

Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon is reportedly being considered for reassignment, while Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson and adviser Mahadi Amin has emerged as a possible candidate to lead the ministry as part of efforts to accelerate education sector reforms.

Attention has also focused on the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry. Sources said the Prime Minister has expressed concern over the minister’s public remarks, as well as continuing traffic congestion and transport management problems across the country, including in the capital.

When contacted, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam dismissed the speculation, saying: “I know nothing about these rumours of change”. He told The New nation that whatever the Prime Minister thinks is best will happen. The decision rests with the Prime Minister.”

The Health and Family Welfare Ministry has also featured in the discussions. Political sources said the Prime Minister was unhappy with Health Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain Bakul’s public comments on several occasions, including remarks surrounding the suspension of Ad-Din Hospital’s licence following the death of a newborn.

The minister had alleged that representatives of the Ad-Din Foundation had attempted to influence the matter through financial inducements, a claim the foundation publicly rejected and demanded evidence to support.

Sources said State Minister for Health Dr M A Muhit is among those being considered for promotion to full minister should changes be made.

Officials also indicated that the government is reviewing the distribution of ministerial portfolios, with discussions under way on reducing the workload of ministers currently overseeing multiple ministries in an effort to improve administrative efficiency.

Several senior BNP leaders are also being mentioned as possible additions to the cabinet, including Zainul Abdin Farooque, alongside names such as Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik, A B M Mosharraf Hossain, Abdus Salam Azad, Principal Selim Bhuiyan, Khandaker Abu Ashfaque, Nazrul Islam Azad and Md Mojibur Rahman. Under the technocrat quota, Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Shamsuzzaman Dudu, Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal and Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel are among those reportedly under consideration, while leaders from coalition partners, including Andaleeve Rahman Partho, have also been mentioned.

An official at the Prime Minister’s Office, speaking on condition of anonymity, said changes to the cabinet were possible but stressed that only the Prime Minister could decide when they would take place.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashiduzzaman Millat said widespread speculation on social media about potential new ministers remained unconfirmed.

BNP Vice-Chairman Advocate Zainal Abedin said the Prime Minister was best placed to determine the composition of the cabinet in the country’s interest, while Public Administration Ministry adviser Ismail Jabiullah said he had no specific information regarding any reshuffle.

Officials familiar with the discussions said any changes would be aimed at accelerating the government’s development agenda and strengthening administrative accountability, although no official announcement has yet been made.