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Published : 20 Feb 2026, 09:46 PM
The presence of advisors at the BNP government’s first cabinet meeting has become a constitutional talking point.
Since advisors do not take an oath of confidentiality, it is unclear whether they can attend such a critical government meeting.
Experts say the matter depends largely on tradition and the prime minister’s discretion in Bangladesh.
The new cabinet met at 3pm on Wednesday in the Secretariat’s Building No. 1, presided over by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
After the meeting, the Prime Minister’s Advisor Zahed Ur Rahman told journalists that the gathering was not a formal cabinet meeting.
He said, “You all know that [Wednesday’] meeting was not actually a cabinet meeting. It was a courtesy meeting where ministers were present and we advisors were also there.
“We advisors are not part of the cabinet, so this was not a formal meeting.
“Even so, what the prime minister conveyed were essentially a few basic points for the cabinet -- that the government must deliver what the people expect, remain transparent, and operate effectively. He reminded everyone to take this very seriously.”
Zahed noted that immediate concerns ahead of Ramadan -- such as commodity prices, electricity supply, and the safe return of people to their homes -- must be managed carefully.
He also said, “Another point discussed was the BNP’s short-term 180-day plan. It had already been prepared, and it will be refined and presented to the public very soon so people can understand what the government intends to do immediately.”
Constitutional Framework
Article 55(2) of the Bangladesh Constitution says executive power of the Republic is exercised by the prime minister under the Constitution.
Article 55(3) holds that the cabinet is collectively responsible to parliament.
This makes the prime minister and cabinet ministers the centre of the cabinet and collectively accountable to the legislature.
Rules of Business
According to the Rules of Business, 1996 -- framed under the Constitution -- cabinet meetings are regularly attended by full ministers, who are the core members of the cabinet.
If a minister is absent, a state minister or deputy minister may attend with the prime minister’s permission. The cabinet secretary is always present to prepare and maintain the official record of decisions.
The rules say: “Secretary of the ministry/division concerned may, if required by the minister-in-charge, attend cabinet meetings during discussions of the subject.”
“Other officers may attend the meeting only in special cases, if so allowed by the prime minister.”
This means the presence of secretaries and other officials is subject-based and dependent on the prime minister’s approval.
What about Advisors?
Rule 3 of the Rules of Business allows the prime minister to appoint advisors and special assistants.
Rule 21(4b) states: “The prime minister may direct any advisor or special assistant appointed under rule 3 to attend any or all meetings of the cabinet or any committee thereof.”
This gives the prime minister authority to allow advisors or special assistants to attend cabinet meetings or committees if she or he deems it necessary.
Agenda, Decisions
The cabinet secretary’s office prepares the agenda.
Policy proposals submitted by ministries are reviewed and included on the agenda after verification.
Inter-ministerial coordination is carried out, and the finance ministry’s input is mandatory if there are financial implications.
Decisions are generally taken by consensus and recorded in the minutes, which are then sent to the relevant ministries for implementation.
Expert Views
Asked whether advisors, state ministers, or deputy ministers can attend cabinet meetings legally, a former cabinet secretary told bdnews24.com that regular members are full ministers, effectively called “cabinet ministers”.
“Cabinet ministers mean full ministers; they are the official members of the cabinet.”
He, however, added that others may attend if the prime minister allows it.
“If the prime minister wishes, advisors can be present, as can specific state ministers. It is up to her discretion,” he said.
The former secretary explained that although state ministers often attend due to their ministerial responsibilities, their presence is not automatic by rule; it is part of traditional practice.
On secretary-level attendance, he said the cabinet secretary and additional secretaries responsible for the cabinet also attend, with subject-related secretaries participating as required.
He added that the prime minister’s chief secretary, finance secretary, and the secretaries for law, justice, and parliamentary affairs generally attend because financial or legal aspects may arise on any agenda item.
International Practice
Citing international examples, he said: “In the UK, the cabinet’s composition for meetings is determined through notification after a new cabinet is formed. In India, full ministers are cabinet members, and state ministers with independent responsibilities participate based on the subject.”
He clarified that in Bangladesh, the matter depends on tradition and the prime minister’s discretion; the Constitution and Rules of Business do not specify particular names.
Former secretary AKM Abdul Awal Mazumder said, “No, there is nothing written; these are traditional practices. Traditionally, until 2006, state ministers, deputy ministers, and advisors did not attend cabinet meetings.
“But when the Awami League came to power in 2009, a system was established for advisors, state ministers, and deputy ministers to attend. This continuity has remained since 2009; before that, it did not exist,” he added.
