Abu Jakir :
The interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, is considering the appointment of new advisers and a significant reshuffling of ministerial responsibilities to streamline administrative activities and enhance efficiency.
Now in its second month following a mass revolution, the government aims to introduce fresh faces to its advisory council, according to high-level sources at the Secretariat.
Formed on August 8 with 17 members, the interim government has already made adjustments to its advisory council. However, the upcoming phase may bring a more comprehensive transformation.
Officials familiar with the developments, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The New Nation that three to four new advisers are expected to be sworn in within the month.
The goal is to bring in experts with relevant experience in specific ministries to accelerate the pace of government work.
Currently, the government operates with 20 advisers, many of whom manage multiple portfolios.
This dual responsibility has reportedly caused delays in decision-making and policy implementation.
To address this issue, the government plans to appoint new advisers to distribute workloads more evenly, ensuring each ministry receives focused attention.
The Road Transport and Bridges, Commerce, and Education ministries are among those expected to have new advisers.
Additionally, up to five other ministries may experience leadership changes as part of the government’s strategy to enhance efficiency.
The Ministries of Health, Railways, Planning, Agriculture, Food, and Civil Aviation and Tourism are also being considered for reshuffles.
Several potential candidates for advisory roles have emerged.
Among them is A.F.M. Solaiman Chowdhury, a seasoned administrator who has held key positions such as Secretary to the President, Chairman of Janata Bank, and Chairman of the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation. Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, a diplomat and academic, is also under consideration.
A former Foreign and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Adviser in the 2007-2009 caretaker government, Dr. Chowdhury is expected to bring strategic insights to the advisory council.
Other candidates include economist Dr. Manjurul Islam and industrialist Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, whose expertise in economics and industry is seen as crucial for shaping Bangladesh’s economic policies.
The Health and Family Welfare Ministry is also expected to receive attention, with discussions underway to appoint a qualified medical professional to address public health challenges.