The BNP-led government is reportedly facing growing discomfort over what officials describe as “irresponsible and gaffe-prone remarks” made by several ministers. At a time of global energy challenges and mounting economic pressure, including debts inherited from the previous Awami League government, the administration is said to be struggling to maintain stability even before completing its early political “honeymoon period.”

According to sources within the BNP and government circles, discussions are underway about a possible cabinet reshuffle aimed at restoring public confidence and improving the government’s image. Several senior and veteran political leaders may be inducted into the cabinet as part of this restructuring process.

A BNP policymaker, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the leadership is concerned over “politically insensitive and overly enthusiastic statements” made by some ministers, which have created embarrassment for the party.

“The matter has also reached the Prime Minister’s attention. Some ministers may simply be under excessive workload. Therefore, redistribution of responsibilities is being considered,” the leader said.

He added that ministers currently holding multiple portfolios may see their responsibilities reduced. Although he did not confirm any dismissals, he hinted at the possibility of new faces joining the cabinet.

Possible New Entrants

Party and government sources suggest that several senior BNP leaders may be included in the cabinet, including BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, and Selima Rahman.

Other names reportedly under consideration include Central Committee Training Affairs Secretary ABM Mosharraf Hossain, Information and Research Secretary Azizul Bari Helal, and former International Affairs Secretary and current advisor to the party chairperson Mahidur Rahman.

Controversy Over Ministers’ Remarks

Recent comments by several ministers have sparked widespread debate and criticism on social media and in political circles, further increasing pressure on the government.

One of the most discussed statements came from the Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, regarding load-shedding and electricity supply. His remarks on rural electricity distribution were widely criticized and mocked online.

On May 5, addressing concerns over rural load-shedding, he said there was no significant power shortage in villages and that interruptions were mainly caused by technical faults in long rural distribution lines, which take time to repair. He added that electricity is restored once the faults are fixed.

However, the comments sparked public anger, particularly in rural areas suffering from severe heat and frequent power cuts. Many people accused him of dismissing public hardship.

Previously, he had also claimed in parliament that there was no electricity shortage in the country based on current demand, a statement that was similarly disputed.

Another controversial remark came from the Minister for Road Transport and Bridges, Sheikh Robiul Alam, regarding alleged extortion in the transport sector. He described money collected by transport associations as “service charges” rather than extortion, a statement widely criticized by commuters and rights groups.

During the Eid travel season, he also claimed during a visit to Dhaka’s Mohakhali bus terminal that no one was charging excess fares. He further suggested that in some cases passengers were paying less than government-fixed fares, which contradicted widespread passenger complaints of significantly higher fares.

The Education Minister, ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon, also faced criticism for repetitive public remarks encouraging students to study and discouraging cheating, which many considered outdated and disconnected from the current education system.

Political Reactions

Senior journalist Maruf Kamal Khan, former press secretary to ex-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, said political experience is essential in governance, noting that not everything can or should be said publicly.

BNP advisor Advocate Masud Ahmed Talukder downplayed the controversy, saying minor verbal mistakes should not be overstated and that cabinet reshuffles are a normal and ongoing process within government authority.

Political analyst Major (Retd.) Imran took a more critical view, arguing that similar “illogical statements” were seen in previous administrations as well. He questioned whether any meaningful change has occurred if such trends continue.

He warned that a few ministers’ remarks are damaging the government’s image and may mislead the public.

Senior journalist and editor Sohrab Hasan stressed that careless speech is always risky in politics, noting that history shows many ministers have faced consequences for such remarks, yet lessons are rarely learned.

Cabinet Reshuffle Likely

Amid growing criticism and internal discussions, political observers believe a cabinet reshuffle may be imminent. The government is reportedly working to strengthen its administrative image, bring experienced leaders into key positions, and address public dissatisfaction caused by controversial statements.

Although no official announcement has been made, speculation continues that new appointments and portfolio adjustments may soon be introduced as the government seeks to stabilize its political standing.

Allegations have emerged that several old syndicates are once again becoming active at the Secretariat, the administrative heart of the capital. According to concerned officials, the presence of controversial journalists, lobbyists, and beneficiary groups has increased alarmingly in recent months. Sources within the administration claim that several networks that had remained inactive for a long period are now re-emerging under the new political reality.

In recent weeks, new faces have reportedly been seen frequently visiting various ministries and government offices within the Secretariat. Among them are several so-called journalists who had previously been accused of lobbying, abusing influence, and using political connections to gain personal advantages. Officials allege that many of these individuals enjoyed close ties with influential circles during the previous government and had regular access to the Secretariat. Although they remained largely inactive following the political transition, they have reportedly become active again in recent months.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, one government official said:

“Before August 5, some self-styled journalists used to roam around the Secretariat wielding considerable influence. They were involved in lobbying regarding transfers, recruitment, and government contracts. After August 5, they remained mostly out of sight for nearly one and a half years. However, within three months of the new government taking office following the February 12 election, their activities began increasing again.”

The official further stated that certain individuals are currently using their journalistic identity to gain unrestricted access to various ministries. In many cases, they attempt to exert influence by claiming close personal relationships with senior officials, creating discomfort and concern within the administration.

A fourth-class employee at the Secretariat alleged that some privately appointed individuals and unofficial aides surrounding ministers are facilitating meetings between these controversial journalists and ministers. According to him:

“Many people are now acting as brokers in the name of arranging meetings with ministers. Certain journalists are being introduced to ministers, after which they begin lobbying over files, recruitment matters, and business-related issues.”

There are also allegations that a long-standing Secretariat-based syndicate has become active once again. Multiple sources claim that this network includes dishonest officials, employees, self-proclaimed journalists, and influential outsiders working together to secure various benefits through undue influence in government offices.

Relevant stakeholders believe that many individuals entering the Secretariat under the identity of journalists are not genuinely involved in news gathering. Instead, they allegedly act on behalf of individuals or organizations to lobby government officials. Some are also accused of using political connections to pressure officials. Observers warn that such practices are damaging the environment for professional journalism while simultaneously undermining administrative transparency.

Several sources further stated that some controversial journalists have recently developed close connections with certain ministers. Their growing presence at official events, meetings, and informal discussions inside the Secretariat has already sparked internal criticism and debate. Many officials fear that such relationships could encourage greater opacity and unethical influence within the administration in the future.

However, no one has agreed to speak publicly on the matter. Many officials cited administrative pressure and personal security concerns as reasons for remaining silent. Some stated that individuals who previously spoke out against powerful syndicates had faced serious consequences, forcing many others to remain cautious.

Experts and organizations working on good governance and administrative transparency believe that authorities must strictly monitor who enters the Secretariat and for what purpose they maintain regular access. They also stressed the need for investigations into allegations of lobbying and influence-peddling carried out under the guise of journalism. Otherwise, there are fears that normal administrative operations could be disrupted.

Analysts argue that since the Secretariat is one of the most important centers of state administration, any form of uncontrolled lobbying, influence trading, or syndicate activity could prove harmful to the entire governance system. Therefore, they believe the relevant authorities should urgently investigate the matter and take necessary corrective measures.

The situation currently being discussed within various circles of the Secretariat has raised fresh concerns regarding administrative transparency and accountability. Observers warn that unless the allegations are properly investigated and effective action is taken promptly, the old culture of syndicate-based influence may once again establish a strong foothold within the administration.