Advisers to the interim government will continue their regular duties until a new cabinet is formed following the 13th National Parliamentary Election.
After government and weekly holidays for the election, most advisers are expected to report to the secretariat on Sunday, though they will not hold key meetings or sign files, according to sources close to them.
Article 57(3) of the constitution allows the prime minister to remain in office until a successor assumes charge, while Article 58(4) ensures that ministers, state ministers, and deputy ministers continue in their posts until their successors take office.
Cabinet Division sources said members of parliament may take oath on Monday following the vote, with the prime minister and cabinet members—including ministers, state ministers, and deputy ministers—potentially taking oath on February 17 or 18.
Shipping Adviser M Sakhawat Hossain said he would continue working until the last moment, adding: “No directives have been issued from the chief adviser’s office. We will continue our work until the last moment.” Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin’s office said advisers will report on Sunday, though no pending work or files require signatures.
Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, who left office Tuesday, posted on Facebook that although he remains legally in office until the new cabinet takes oath, he will refrain from exercising executive authority for ethical reasons.
Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain said he left the secretariat on Tuesday and will work from his government residence until the new government assumes office, with officials able to bring files there if needed.
Adviser for Liberation War Affairs and Disaster Management and Relief Faruk-e-Azam said he will report to the secretariat Sunday, noting that legally advisers can continue work until the new government forms.
Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumdar left his ministry Tuesday but remains in office, though it is unclear if he will report Sunday.
Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed sought final prayers from ministry staff Tuesday; his office said it was not yet confirmed whether he will return Sunday but noted there was no constitutional obstacle to continuing duties until the new cabinet was sworn in.
