Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan has resigned, citing physical illness. He submitted his resignation letter to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman yesterday, and it has already been accepted.
The sudden resignation of the first full minister from Rangamati, just three and a half months into the tenure, has triggered widespread political speculation. At the same time, government sources indicate that a major reshuffle and possible expansion of the Tarique Rahman-led cabinet is likely during or after the budget session.
Sources say that after the BNP government was formed in February, the Prime Minister had announced that the performance of all ministers and state ministers would be reviewed after six months. He had also given a clear indication that any negligence or lack of seriousness in duties could result in removal from the cabinet.
As Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman had also instructed that all ministries must remain completely free from corruption. He reportedly made it clear that he would personally monitor each minister’s work plan, integrity, and pace of work, alongside issuing detailed directives to the cabinet.
However, before the six-month period was completed, Dipen Dewan resigned. In his resignation letter, he wrote:
“Since taking responsibility, I have been suffering from various physical complications. Due to my illness, I am facing multiple difficulties in performing the routine duties of the ministry. In the interest of improving the development and administrative momentum of the present government, I find it necessary to step down from my current position.”
After assuming office, he had travelled to Singapore for medical treatment due to his health condition. Upon returning, he continued to participate regularly in party and organizational programmes. However, his explanation of illness is not fully accepted by local leaders and close associates.
Rangamati District BNP Vice President Advocate Saiful Islam Ponir reacted immediately, telling journalists: “We are surprised. His physical condition was not such that would require resignation.”
According to relevant sources, although health issues may be one factor, there are underlying tensions over ministerial authority and the restructuring of the Rangamati Hill District Council. Additionally, recent disputes over the formation of the Chhatra Dal committee and growing distance from local leaders may have contributed to the situation.
Rangamati District BNP President Dipon Talukder Dipu and General Secretary Advocate Mamunur Rashid Mamun both said that the minister had recently cut off contact with local leaders and workers. They also noted that he did not attend the Zia martyrdom anniversary programme on May 30.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister for CHT Affairs Barrister Mir Helal Uddin of the BNP’s assistant organizing secretary post also holds additional responsibility in the Ministry of Land. After his appointment, several regional and social organizations in the three hill districts staged protests demanding his removal.
Later, his responsibilities were further expanded to include the role of State Minister for the Ministry of Land as well. As a result, he is currently serving simultaneously as State Minister for both CHT Affairs Ministry and the Ministry of Land.
When contacted, Helal said: “I saw news of his resignation on television. I later tried calling him, but his phone was switched off.”
It is worth noting that during the 2001–2006 BNP government tenure, Moni Swapan Dewan, the first deputy minister from Rangamati, also resigned in 2006. Thus, in both BNP administrations, ministers from Rangamati have resigned.
Cabinet expansion under Tarique Rahman
This will be the first major cabinet reshuffle and expansion of the BNP-led government formed on February 17. Government sources say the initiative is aimed at improving public service delivery, accelerating administrative activities, and reducing the growing workload of key ministries.
Currently, excluding the Prime Minister, the cabinet consists of 25 full ministers and 23 state ministers. While there are no deputy minister positions at present, discussions are underway about creating several such posts. The possibility of including a member from reserved women’s seats in the cabinet is also being considered.
There is also discussion in policy circles about moving towards a “one person, one ministry” approach to reduce pressure on individual ministers handling multiple portfolios and to improve decision-making and implementation efficiency.
Several senior BNP leaders and experienced politicians are reportedly under consideration for cabinet expansion. According to party sources, names such as Standing Committee members Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Selima Rahman, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, and Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain are being discussed at different levels. BNP Vice Chairman and former State Minister for Commerce Barkat Ullah Bulu from Noakhali-3 is also reportedly on the potential list.
Political analysts believe that bringing experienced leaders who have remained outside government roles could help maintain internal balance within the party and administration.
Two technocrat posts remain vacant, and new appointments are also expected there. Those being discussed include BNP Chairperson’s advisor Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, Joint Secretary General Habibur Nabi Khan Sohel, Vice Chairman Shamshuzzaman Dudu, and BNP media cell convener Dr. Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel. However, no formal decision has been made regarding these names.
Government policymakers say that several key sectors such as finance and planning, agriculture, education, commerce, labour, ICT, transport, and infrastructure are currently handled by single ministers or state ministers with multiple portfolios, increasing pressure on governance.
In this context, plans are underway to redistribute ministerial responsibilities and appoint additional state or deputy ministers to improve administrative efficiency. Several reshuffles have already been made at departmental levels, and further changes are expected in the upcoming overhaul.
It is worth recalling that during the BNP government in 2001, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s cabinet initially had 28 ministers, 28 state ministers, and four deputy ministers. Although the first cabinet was formed with 46 members, it later expanded to 60 members. Drawing on that experience, the current government may also adjust the size and structure of the cabinet according to administrative needs.
