A cabinet reshuffle and redistribution of portfolios across several ministries are under discussion as the government approaches the completion of its first 6 months in office in August, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.
Sources said changes may be made to several ministries following an evaluation of ministers' performances. The government is also considering reducing the workload of some ministers, reorganizing portfolios, and slightly expanding the size of the cabinet. According to Cabinet Division sources, 2 ministers may also be dropped.
No minister was willing to comment officially on the matter.
Ministers said the authority to reshuffle the cabinet or reassign portfolios rests solely with the prime minister and that they had received no formal information regarding any such move.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman took oath on February 17 following the national election. His cabinet initially comprised 49 ministers and state ministers. Among them, Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Dipen Dewan resigned on June 1, citing health reasons.
The government is set to complete 6 months in office in August. Several government sources said the performance of cabinet members is currently being reviewed ahead of the milestone.
A state minister told Dhaka Tribune: “It was communicated at the time of forming the government that ministers’ performances would be closely monitored during the first 6 months. The next steps will be taken based on that assessment.”
A source close to the prime minister said the government's top leadership has expressed dissatisfaction over the pace of administrative activities and the implementation of decisions in some key ministries.
According to the source, the redistribution of portfolios is being considered, particularly for ministers overseeing multiple ministries, to reduce their workload.
Sources also said changes may be made in ministries where coordination between ministers and state ministers has been weak or where administrative activities have failed to gain the expected momentum.
According to sources, the government's top leadership is also discussing the cases of at least 2 senior ministers responsible for 2 major ministries who have recently faced controversy.
However, no final decision has been taken regarding the removal of any minister or changes in portfolios. Officials concerned said the prime minister will make the final decision after the completion of the 6-month evaluation process.
Several new faces under discussion
Multiple government and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) sources said that if the cabinet is expanded, several new faces could be included.
Among those whose names are being discussed are ABM Mosharraf Hossain, Selima Rahman, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon, Barkat Ullah Bulu, and Zainul Abdin Farroque.
According to sources, the names of BNP Chairperson's Adviser Advocate Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal and BNP Joint Secretary General Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel are also being considered for inclusion under the technocrat quota.
Several senior BNP leaders believe changes to the cabinet may be necessary after the government's first 6 months in office to accelerate administrative work, improve coordination, and meet public expectations.