Published : 17 Feb 2026, 09:12 AM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 03:22 PM
Behind closed doors and away from the noise of public celebration, the most consequential decisions of the new era are being made. As the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) prepares to take office, Tarique Rahman is finalising the lineup of his first cabinet -- an ensemble expected to reflect both the party’s past and its promises for future.
Amid intense curiosity and speculation, senior BNP leaders say the prime minister-designate has nearly finalised the list. The cabinet is expected to comprise around 40 members, reflecting his vision of rebuilding the country under the slogan “Bangladesh First” -- a message shaped by the distinct political realities born out of the 2024 mass uprising.
Following its overwhelming majority in the election, the BNP-led government is set to take oath on Tuesday morning. Party leaders say the cabinet line-up is expected to be finalised a day earlier.
A Leaner Cabinet, Quiet Consultations
By Monday evening, conversations with multiple members of the BNP’s Standing Committee and senior leadership suggested a cabinet slightly smaller than previous administrations.
Ministers, state ministers and deputy ministers combined are likely to number close to 40. None of the leaders contacted, however, were willing to speak on the record.
Preparations appear well advanced. As part of the swearing-in arrangements, 37 vehicles have been readied from the government transport pool, with an equal number of residences being prepared for incoming ministers -- a signal, party insiders say, of a cabinet likely to remain close to the 40-member mark.
Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed told bdnews24.com that the final decision rests solely with the prime minister.
“Who is included and who is not is entirely the prime minister’s prerogative,” he said, adding that no one could yet speak with certainty.
Another Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said the party chair was personally overseeing decisions on government formation and portfolios.
“I have not been informed of any names,” he said, adding that no call had come from the Cabinet Division as of Monday afternoon.
Leaders say there has been no formal discussion within party forums on individual ministerial appointments, coalition representation, or the formation of a national government.
Political Advisors and a Familiar Model
Standing Committee member and electioneering chief Nazrul Islam Khan is assisting Tarique in forming the government. Party insiders say the BNP supremo is also considering appointing a political advisor from among Standing Committee members, with Nazrul Islam’s name circulating for the role.
The move echoes precedent: when Khaleda Zia formed government in 2001, she appointed a joint secretary-general as her political secretary.
Is a National Government Taking Shape?
Four technocrats are expected to be included in the cabinet under the technocrat quota. Whether any representatives from allied parties in the joint movement will be included under this category remains unclear.
However, there is growing discussion that some coalition MPs may secure cabinet positions.
Although Tarique has repeatedly spoken about forming a national government once in power, no formal discussions with alliance partners on the structure of such a government have been confirmed.
Saiful Haque, general secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party, told bdnews24.com on Monday that no talks had been held with the BNP in relation to the formation of a government.
He confirmed meeting Tarique the previous day, saying the discussion focused on reviewing the recently concluded election, not the incoming government.
Old Hands, New Faces
BNP last formed a government in 2001 under Khaleda. Two decades on, the 48-year-old party is returning to power for the fourth time -- this time under her son’s leadership.
Senior leaders say figures from Khaleda’s previous cabinets who remain largely uncontested may feature again, alongside several new faces. The cabinet, they say, is being shaped with the changed realities of the student-led mass movement firmly in mind.
Multiple leaders said Tarique has reviewed survey data and intelligence assessments while evaluating potential candidates.
Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury declined to comment on specifics.
“Everything will be clear tomorrow,” he told bdnews24.com.
Tarique himself is expected to take charge of the Ministry of Defence.
Key Figures and Possible Portfolios
Senior leaders likely to feature in the cabinet include:
They are being discussed for portfolios including local government, power and energy, information and broadcasting, public works, textiles and jute, civil aviation and tourism, and social welfare.
Party leaders say Fakhrul is reluctant to take a ministerial post and instead wishes to serve as deputy leader of parliament. He declined to comment when contacted.
BNP leaders say Tarique wants to revitalise parliament and run a government accountable to the legislature. He has instructed that ministers must be prepared to answer questions on the floor of the House.
To reinforce parliament’s central role, the party chair is keen to appoint an active deputy leader -- again, with Fakhrul’s name in the spotlight.
Committees, Speakers, and Parliamentary Strategy
Party sources say lists are also being prepared for:
Standing Committee members say experienced MPs are being considered for committee leadership roles.
Who May Get Which Ministry
Economic and core ministries -- finance, foreign affairs, home affairs, commerce, public administration and industry -- may go to:
Law, transport, agriculture, ICT, food and education portfolios are being discussed for:
For primary education, health, youth and sports, names under discussion include:
Party officials say younger faces are likely to be included in several ministries.
Under the technocrat quota, names such as Sanjida Islam Tulee and Advisor Mahdi Amin have surfaced.
Allies, New Entrants, and Unfinished Talks
While the core cabinet is beginning to take shape, discussions continue over potential allies and technocrat appointees, leaving several high-profile portfolios unsettled.
For ministries including religious affairs, water resources, expatriate welfare, livestock and fisheries, discussions include:
Former advisor Fazlur Rahman is being discussed for the liberation war affairs portfolio, though he said he had received no confirmation.
There is also talk of including leaders from the Gonotontro Moncho, which stood alongside the BNP in the long anti-Awami League movement. Names mentioned include:
They may be considered for railways, shipping, land, or planning ministries.
On Monday evening, an official said discussions on Hajjaj were ongoing. Attempts to reach him were unsuccessful.
Speculation has also included Saiful, Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Babul, and Tania Rob, though no confirmation has emerged.
Standing Committee member Iqbal Mahmud said no decision on coalition inclusion could be finalised without party-forum discussions.
Another BNP leader said the party also wants to keep the National Citizen Party (NCP) engaged, possibly assigning parliamentary responsibilities to one of its six elected MPs.
