Tarique blends veterans from Khaleda’s governments with new faces in cabinet

Returning veterans from his mother’s governments join a wave of first-time ministers

Under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has returned to power after two decades, forming a cabinet that prominently features veterans from his mother Khaleda Zia’s previous governments alongside a new generation of leaders.

The ministers were sworn in on Tuesday at the South Plaza of parliament, drawing attention for the blend of experience and fresh talent.

Of the 25 full ministers, nine served in Khaleda Zia’s cabinets, bringing institutional knowledge and continuity, while the other 16 take up ministerial responsibilities for the first time.

All 24 state ministers are newcomers, marking a significant influx of fresh faces into the administration.

Among the seasoned ministers are:

• Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir: first elected MP from Thakurgaon-1 in 2001, served as deputy agriculture minister and later as state minister for civil aviation and tourism.

• Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury: elected MP from Chattogram-8 in 2001, previously commerce minister.

• Salahuddin Ahmed: former state minister and minister of communications, elected MP from Cox’s Bazar-1 in 2001.

• Iqbal Hasan Mahmud: three-time MP from Sirajganj, served as state minister for power from 2001–2006.

• Hafiz Uddin Ahmed: retired Army officer, seven-time MP from Bhola-3, previously water resources, commerce, and jute minister.

• Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain Kaikobad: former state minister under Hussain Muhammad Ershad and Khaleda, previously minister for religious affairs.

• Nitai Roy Chowdhury, elected MP from Magura-2 in 1988, former district council chairman, youth and sports minister under Ershad.

• ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon: three-time MP from Chandpur-1, former state minister of education (2001–2006), noted for nationwide efforts to eliminate cheating in exams.

• Asadul Habib Dulu: former deputy minister of food and disaster management, ex-MP from Lalmonirhat Sadar.

This carefully-crafted balance demonstrates Tarique’s strategy: leveraging the expertise of proven leaders while introducing new talent to steer the BNP’s government after its long hiatus.