The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), one of the country’s largest political parties, has secured a historic victory in the much-anticipated 13th National Parliamentary Election. Winning more than a two-thirds majority of seats, the party is set to form a government on its own for the first time in nearly 20 years. Preparations to form the new government under the leadership of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman are already underway. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has announced that the new government will be formed by February 15. Meanwhile, the interim government has reportedly prepared 45 vehicles for the incoming cabinet. Political circles are now intensely focused on the possible composition of Tarique Rahman’s cabinet and who will assume key responsibilities in the new administration.
Speculation Surrounding the Cabinet
Discussions about the new cabinet dominate conversations across political circles, the Secretariat, the business community, and the general public. According to multiple BNP sources, priority will be given to loyal and experienced party leaders. At the same time, several senior leaders from allied parties may also be included, potentially forming a national-style government. There is also discussion about appointing several highly educated and well-regarded young Members of Parliament.
Key Ministries Under Discussion
Party sources suggest that Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir may be assigned the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives. He previously served as State Minister for Agriculture during the BNP government in 2001.
Mirza Abbas, a BNP Standing Committee member who won from the Dhaka-8 constituency, is widely rumored to be considered again for the Ministry of Housing and Public Works. Similarly, Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy may be assigned the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan is reportedly under consideration for the Ministry of Planning. Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury may be appointed either as Foreign Minister or Commerce Minister.
In the power and energy sector, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku is being discussed as a strong candidate. Having served as State Minister for Power in 2001, he may now be elevated to full Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources.
Salahuddin Ahmed may receive the Ministry of Law or Public Administration. Advocates Asaduzzaman Asad and Barrister Kaiser Kamal are also being discussed in connection with the Law Ministry.
Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain may be appointed Minister of Health and Family Welfare, while Dr. MA Muhith, an MP from Sirajganj, is being considered for the role of State Minister.
Former Air Force Chief and former Minister of Home Affairs and Commerce Altaf Hossain Chowdhury is rumored among party activists to be a possible candidate for the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Technocrat Quota Appointments
Although Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi did not contest the election, discussions suggest he may be appointed as Minister of Information and Broadcasting under the technocrat quota. Professor Moudud Alamgir Pavel is reportedly being considered as State Minister in the same ministry. The names of Syed Rezaul Karim (Pir of Charmonai) and Professor Abu Sayeed are also circulating in discussions.
Shamsuzzaman Dudu may be appointed as Minister of Agriculture under the technocrat quota. Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas is under consideration for the Ministry of Labour, with Khondkar Abu Ashfaq being discussed as State Minister.
Education, Women’s Leadership and Diplomacy
Former State Minister for Education Ehsanul Haque Milon may receive the Ministry of Education, while Principal Selim Bhuiyan is being discussed as a potential State Minister.
In terms of women’s leadership, Shama Obaed may be appointed as State Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Advocate Farzana Sharmin Putul may serve as State Minister for Women and Children Affairs.
BNP Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir is also being mentioned for a technocrat position in the Foreign Ministry. Mahdi Amin, an advisor to the party chairman, is rumored to be considered for the important Ministry of Information Technology.
Coalition Partners in the Cabinet
Several leaders from BNP’s allied parties are also under discussion. Notable names include Andaleeve Rahman Partho, Bappy Hazzaj, former DUCSU Vice President Nurul Haque Nur, and Zonayed Saki. Other names circulating include Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Sultan Salauddin Tuku, Anindya Islam Amit, Rakibul Islam Babul, Azizul Bari Helal, and Barrister Mir Helal.
Speaker Position
For the position of Speaker of Parliament, BNP Vice Chairman and newly elected Member of Parliament from Muladi-Babuganj, Advocate Zainul Abedin, is being widely discussed.
Challenges Ahead
Political analysts believe that despite securing an overwhelming majority, the BNP-led government will face significant challenges. These include economic recovery, administrative reforms, creating an investment-friendly environment, and strengthening international relations. Managing party expectations while maintaining coordination with coalition partners will also test the leadership’s ability to form an effective and balanced cabinet.
All eyes are now on how balanced and functional Tarique Rahman’s cabinet will be. The political speculation is expected to end within the next few days as the new government formally takes shape.