Government Announces New Cabinet Portfolios After Major Reshuffle

Bangladesh’s Cabinet Division has issued a notification assigning portfolios to four new ministers and two state ministers following a major reshuffle in the BNP-led government.

The notification was issued shortly after midnight on Friday, Aug. 21. It said the changes were made under Rule 3(4) of the Rules of Business, 1996, and took effect immediately.

The changes followed Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s swearing-in as president at Bangabhaban on Friday evening. After taking office, he administered the oath to four new ministers and two state ministers.

New Cabinet Assignments

• Abdul Moyeen Khan — Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives
• Andalib Rahman Partha — Minister for Information and Broadcasting
• Rashiduzzaman Millat — Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism
• Saching Prue Jerry — Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs
• Humayun Kabir — State Minister for Foreign Affairs
• Mohammad Shamim Kaiser Lincoln — State Minister for Religious Affairs

Mirza Fakhrul vacated the Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Ministry after becoming president. BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan has taken over the portfolio.

Rashiduzzaman Millat, who previously served as state minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, has been promoted to full minister. Former minister Afrozа Khanam (Rita) has been assigned the Food Ministry.

Saching Prue Jerry, a lawmaker from Bandarban, has been appointed minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs. The position had been vacant since Dipen Dewan resigned on June 1.

Andalib Rahman Partha, chairman of the Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), has been appointed information and broadcasting minister. Former minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has been appointed an adviser to the prime minister with ministerial rank.

Mohammad Shamim Kaiser Lincoln, a lawmaker from Gaibandha-4, has been appointed state minister for Religious Affairs. Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaykobad) remains the minister in charge.

Prime Minister’s foreign affairs adviser Humayun Kabir has been appointed state minister for foreign affairs. He will share the portfolio with Shama Obaed Islam, while Khalilur Rahman remains foreign minister.

The government was formed on Feb. 17 following the 13th parliamentary election, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman leading the administration. Twenty-five ministers and 24 state ministers were sworn in alongside the prime minister at the time.

With the latest appointments and portfolio changes, the Cabinet now has 52 members.