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Published : 17 Feb 2026, 03:46 PM
A total of 211 officials have gathered at the South Plaza of the parliament complex to assist the cabinet secretary with ministerial protocol and reception of guests at the swearing-in ceremony of the prime minister and other ministers.
The Cabinet Division had earlier said around 1,200 guests would attend the ceremony.
However, the division has assigned 211 officials to assist with various tasks, including ministerial protocol. Of them, only six are personal staff, protocol officers, and peons, while the rest are officers from the administration cadre.
The move has triggered speculation among officials at the Secretariat. Some say it is a ploy to get close to the new ministers, while others question the need for so many officials at an oath-taking ceremony.
An additional secretary told bdnews24.com, “There have been many oath taking ceremonies in the past, but I have never seen so many officials attending. I don’t understand the reason this time.”
Some officials have also expressed resentment over the inclusion of officers who held key positions during the previous Awami League government, including former deputy commissioners who served in various districts.
A joint secretary told bdnews24.com, “Preferred officers were selected (for the event). Even DCs from the previous Awami League era and those who held important responsibilities have got places here.”
A letter signed by ASM Ibnul Hasan, deputy secretary of the Government Formation and Protocol Wing, included the list of 211 officials. It said the swearing-in of the newly elected prime minister and other ministers of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh would be held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament.
“Staff members and officials of the Cabinet Division, Ministry of Public Administration, and Divisional Commissioner offices would need to enter the venue (South Plaza) to carry out duties such as providing individual protocol to each new minister, receiving guests, managing oath folders, and assisting the cabinet secretary in conducting the ceremony.”
The list includes four additional secretaries from the Cabinet Division, along with joint secretaries, deputy secretaries, senior assistant secretaries, assistant secretaries, and deputy commissioners from several districts under Dhaka Division.
Meanwhile, Deputy Secretary Tania Afroze of the Cabinet Division arrived at the venue before 2pm.
“I am already at the venue,” she told bdnews24.com.
Protocol Officer Mohaiminul Islam of the Cabinet Division said all 211 officials would be present on time, each performing different responsibilities for different people (ministers) . “All of them will attend the ceremony,” he said.
When contacted about the allegations and their details, Deputy Secretary ASM Ibnul Hasan, who signed the letter, cited his busy schedule and hung up. He did not respond to a text message to follow-up.
