Several new ministers are likely to be included in the cabinet. The new ministers are expected to take oath at 12 noon today at Bangabhaban, the official residence of President Abdul Hamid.
Highly placed sources confirmed that Abu Hassan Mahmud Ali is to be sworn in as foreign minister and Awami League lawmaker from Narsingdi Sadar constituency Nazrul Islam Hiru is to take oath as state minister.
There are speculations about a few others to be included in the cabinet, but official sources could not confirm it.
The officials of Bangabhaban and Cabinet Division are ready to hold the oath-taking ceremony this afternoon.
The expansion of the cabinet comes around one and a half months after Sheikh Hasina formed a 49-member cabinet on January 12 following the January 5 national election.
Sheikh Altaf Ali, senior secretary to the president’s office, confirmed the Dhaka Tribune that the premier would visit Bangabhaban at 12 noon today. The president’s office has already confirmed the schedule according to the desire of the prime minister.
When asked about the oath-taking ceremony he said: “I am not sure yet as the military secretary to the president will organise the programme. I may know about it only after I go to the office on Wednesday [today].”
When contacted Cabinet Division’s Additional Secretary Md Moyeen Uddin said:“We have also heard about the inclusion of several new ministers in the cabinet. The oath-taking programme of the new ministers will be held by afternoon on Wednesday [today].”
The sources at the cabinet division and Bangabhaban said former foreign minister Abu Hassan Mahmud Ali is going to take oath as a minister. He will be given the charge of the same ministry he served during the poll-time government.
Mahmud Ali was not available for his comment. His Assistant Personal Secretary Gopal Chandra said he heard about Mahmud Ali’s inclusion in the cabinet. “He may take oath on Wednesday [today].”
A source close to lawmaker from Narshingdi Sadar constituency Nazrul Islam Hiru said the MP received a phone call from the cabinet division confirming his appointment as minister.
Meanwhile, the cabinet division sources said former home minister and Awami League law maker Rafiqul Islam, Jatiya Party presidium member GM Kader, also brother of HM Ershadand Secretary General of Jatiya Party ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader may also take oath as new ministers.
Of them, GM Kader may get his ministry on technocrat quota as per the desire of JP Chairman HM Ershad.
When contacted, none of them confirmed that they had received any call or message from the cabinet division.
Hawlader told the Dhaka Tribune that he would take decision after consulting with the party chairman if he receives any message in this regard.
