Sirajganj uncle–nephew duo tapped for cabinet roles

This is the first time that two representatives from the district are in line to serve simultaneously as minister and state minister

Two lawmakers from Sirajganj who are uncle and nephew have received calls to join the new cabinet led by BNP chief Tarique Rahman.

They were contacted by the Cabinet Division on Tuesday and asked to take oath as members of the new government.

The two are BNP Standing Committee member and Sirajganj-2 MP Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, and his nephew, Sirajganj-6 MP MA Muhith.

Tuku’s personal aide Mostafa Alal Noman confirmed that both had received the calls.

Tuku previously served in Khaleda Zia’s government, holding the post of state minister for power during the four-party coalition administration formed in 2001. He has been elected to parliament for the third time, including the current term.

Muhith, chief advisor of the district BNP, has been elected MP from Sirajganj-6 (Shahjadpur) for the first time. He is the son of MA Matin, an ophthalmologist who served as deputy prime minister and health minister during the Ershad regime.

Party sources in Sirajganj say Tuku is likely to be given charge of the power and energy ministry once again.

Muhith, meanwhile, may be appointed state minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology.

Earlier on Tuesday, MPs elected in the 13th parliamentary election were sworn in at parliament. The new government led by Tarique is scheduled to take oath later in the day.

Although Sirajganj has had ministers in previous governments, this is the first time that two representatives from the district are set to serve simultaneously as minister and state minister.

News of their inclusion in the cabinet has prompted congratulatory messages on Facebook from party leaders, activists and residents in Sirajganj and Shahjadpur.