The BNP is preparing for a broader reshuffle in both the government and its party organization following a review of the government’s performance during its first six months in office, with further cabinet changes and party reorganization expected in the coming weeks.
The first major cabinet reshuffle was carried out last Friday after BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was sworn in as president. However, party and government sources said the changes are not being viewed as a final restructuring.
Further changes could be introduced in phases based on the six-month assessment, efforts to accelerate administrative activities, improve political coordination and maintain a balance between the party and government.
Discussions are already underway to induct more ministers and state ministers and redistribute portfolios among several ministries.
At the same time, the BNP is preparing to reorganize its committees from the grassroots to the central level, fill long-vacant posts and restructure committees of its affiliated and associate organizations.
Six-month review behind changes
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced a 180-day action plan at the beginning of his government.
In line with the plan, the achievements, limitations and activities of different ministries during the first six months are being reviewed.
Some government officials believe last Friday’s reshuffle was an initial outcome of that assessment, although it cannot yet be considered a complete reflection of the six-month review.
The government has not officially disclosed the criteria used to evaluate ministers and state ministers or explained why particular portfolios were changed.
Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said the cabinet’s performance will be reviewed after a certain period and changes could be made if necessary. He also indicated that further cabinet changes may be made.
More cabinet changes in the offing
Three new full ministers and two state ministers were sworn in last Friday, while one state minister was promoted to a full minister.
Another minister’s portfolio was changed, while another was removed from the cabinet and appointed as an adviser to the prime minister with the rank of minister.
Following the changes, the cabinet has 51 members, including the prime minister — 26 full ministers and 24 state ministers.
There are also six advisers to the prime minister with the rank of minister and five with the rank of state minister.
Questions remain over the allocation of responsibilities in several ministries. Some now have political leadership at three levels — a minister, a state minister and an adviser to the prime minister — while several major ministries continue to have multiple portfolios under a single minister.
Government sources said another round of cabinet expansion or portfolio redistribution could take place within weeks.
Agriculture and Livestock, Commerce-Industry-Textiles and Jute, Railways-Road Transport and Bridges, and Shipping are among the ministries where redistribution is being discussed. No final decision has been made on the number of new members or their assignments.
Party overhaul gains momentum
The BNP is also preparing to reorganize its party structure, which senior leaders say had long been geared toward movements and electoral politics and now needs to reflect the realities of governing.
Expired committees at the district, metropolitan, upazila, municipality and union levels, long-vacant posts and leadership disputes will be prioritized.
BNP Standing Committee member Selima Rahman said the party wants to reorganize itself in a new way.
“The party will take initiatives to put the organization in order through discussions with those involved with the party at the grassroots level,” she said.
Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said: “Party reorganization is an ongoing process. The party is always in communication with the grassroots, and the next steps will be taken after discussions within the party forums.”
Local polls add urgency
Local government elections, including those to union parishads, upazila parishads and municipalities, have also become a key focus.
Party leaders believe the organization must be strengthened at the grassroots to perform well in these polls. Candidate selection, assessment of local popularity and management of internal conflicts will also be important.
Rizvi said grassroots units would sit together and select a single candidate, with union and upazila leaders choosing candidates with support from district leadership.
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has already met grassroots leaders from Rajshahi, Pabna and Chapainawabganj. Party leaders view the meetings as part of preparations for the national council and broader organizational restructuring.
Vacant posts under review
Several central party posts remain vacant, including positions on the Standing Committee and those of senior vice chairman, senior joint secretary general and office secretary.
The party is also discussing whether government and party responsibilities should be separated as some leaders have taken government positions.
Abdul Awal Mintoo, Nurul Islam Moni, Shamsuzzaman Dudu, Asaduzzaman Ripon, Zainul Abdin Farroque and Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal are among those being discussed for vacant Standing Committee positions.
Several leaders are also being considered for senior joint secretary general.
No final decisions have been made on the appointments.