Swapon named PM’s political adviser

Zahir Uddin Swapon has been appointed political adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman with the rank and privileges of a minister, following his resignation as information and broadcasting minister.

The Cabinet Division issued a notification on Friday, saying the appointment took effect immediately.

Swapon was appointed under Rules 3B(i) and 3B(ii) of the Rules of Business, 1996, with responsibility for serving as the prime minister’s political adviser.

During his tenure, he will receive the rank, salary, allowances and other benefits of a minister, according to the notification.

Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani signed the notification by order of the president.

The appointment followed Swapon’s resignation from the post of information and broadcasting minister. His resignation was accepted by President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, according to a separate gazette notification.

The government also allocated portfolios to newly appointed ministers and state ministers on Friday night.

Andaleeve Rahman Partho, chairman of the Bangladesh Jatiya Party, who was sworn in as a minister on Friday, was given charge of the information and broadcasting ministry.

The latest changes effectively move Swapon from the information ministry to the Prime Minister’s Office, where he will serve as political adviser with ministerial status.

The Cabinet Division said the appointment was made in accordance with the Rules of Business, 1996, and would remain effective immediately.