Bangladesh has officially introduced its new cabinet following a historic parliamentary election victory by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), marking a major political shift in the country.
BNP leader Tarique Rahman was sworn in as Bangladesh’s prime minister, becoming the first democratically elected leader since the deadly nationwide protests of 2024 that forced former premier Sheikh Hasina out of office. The landmark elections resulted in a decisive mandate for Rahman’s alliance, reshaping Bangladesh’s political future.
The BNP-led coalition secured 212 seats in the 300-member Jatiya Sangsad (Parliament), while the rival Jamaat-e-Islami alliance won 77 seats. The oath-taking ceremony took place inside the national parliament building, attended by newly elected lawmakers, senior officials, and international delegates.
A total of 25 full cabinet ministers were sworn in during a separate ceremony in Dhaka. Most cabinet members belong to the BNP and its close allies. Additionally, junior ministers Nurul Haque and Zonayed Saki — both prominent figures during the 2024 protest movement — were included in the government.
Although the cabinet lineup has been announced, official ministry portfolios are expected to be finalized soon.
Key Cabinet Members Include:
- Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir: BNP Secretary-General and veteran politician.
- Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury: Former commerce minister and BNP standing committee member.
- Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku: Senior BNP leader and former power minister.
- Khalilur Rahman: Technocratic minister and former national security adviser.
- Afroza Khanam Rita: The only female cabinet minister and industrial leader.
- Dipen Dewan: Chakma Buddhist leader, expected to oversee Chittagong Hill Tracts affairs.
- Nitai Roy Chowdhury: Prominent Hindu leader, likely to become cultural affairs minister.
Political analysts suggest the new cabinet will face intense public scrutiny, especially after the youth-led uprising of 2024. Experts believe the government will be under pressure to deliver reforms, ensure political stability, strengthen democratic institutions, and restore public trust.
International Presence at Swearing-in Ceremony
Several foreign dignitaries attended the historic event, including representatives from:
- Maldives
- Bhutan
- India
- Pakistan
- United Kingdom
- China
- Saudi Arabia
- Turkiye
- UAE
- Qatar
- Nepal
- Brunei
The ceremony highlighted Bangladesh’s renewed diplomatic engagement following the political transition.
