Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to announce an expansion of the cabinet by the end of February, with the possibility of welcoming at least 10 new faces into key ministerial positions.
The first session of the 12th national parliament is scheduled for January 30. Sources at the Prime Minister’s Office revealed that the Awami League plans to nominate 37 members of parliament for reserved seats during this session, followed by the extension of the cabinet by the Awami League President.
Having secured a resounding victory in the January 7 election, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina formed her fourth consecutive government on January 11, comprising 36 cabinet members. The existing cabinet, inclusive of the prime minister, currently stands at 37 members.
While portfolios for new ministers and state ministers have been assigned, the outgoing cabinet comprised 48 members. Notably, some important ministries still lack full ministerial appointments, and certain ministries have vacant state minister positions.
Many eager contenders are awaiting their potential inclusion. Lawmakers and technocrats are also awaiting invitations to take the oath of office as cabinet members. Insiders familiar with the matter affirm that only the Prime Minister knows when such invitations will be extended.
The absence of a commerce minister, a position held by Tipu Munshi in the outgoing cabinet, raises the possibility of a senior figure being appointed to the role. Additionally, the potential appointment of a state minister in the Industry Ministry, a position previously held by Kamal Ahmed Majumder, is under consideration.
The Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives and the Social Welfare Ministry are both in need of state ministers. Mohammad Tazul Islam is the minister of local government rural development and cooperatives, while Dr Dipu, the education minister in the outgoing cabinet, has taken charge of the Social Welfare Ministry.
The Foreign Ministry may also see the addition of a new state minister alongside new Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud.
Furthermore, the Environment Ministry, headed by Saber Hossain Chowdhury, may see the inclusion of a state minister or deputy minister. The Post and Telecommunication Ministry is likely to gain a full minister, and both a full minister and a state minister may be added to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
When questioned about the potential cabinet extension, Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said: “The decision on ministerial appointments rests solely with the Prime Minister. The cabinet size can be increased if deemed necessary by the government.”
The current cabinet features 15 members of parliament from Dhaka division and nine from Chittagong division. Additionally, Rangpur division, Rajshahi division, Sylhet division, Mymensingh division, Khulna division, and Barisal division each have two representatives in this cabinet.
