Nearly two decades after it last held office, BNP has returned to power, and with it begins a new chapter under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The formation of his cabinet has already triggered discussion — not only within the party, but across political circles and wider society — about its composition, direction and capacity to meet the weighty responsibilities ahead.
The new government formally began its journey on Tuesday at 4pm, when President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath of office at the South Plaza of the Parliament. Alongside newly elected BNP lawmakers, ministers and state ministers were sworn in under the technocrat quota, signalling an attempt to blend political leadership with professional expertise.
For BNP, the moment marked the culmination of a long and turbulent political struggle. The party navigated years of political upheaval, protest movements and organisational rebuilding before securing victory at the ballot box. Across the country, voters placed their confidence in Tarique’s leadership — a trust symbolically affirmed through his swearing-in as prime minister.
The cabinet reflects what party leaders describe as a deliberate balance between youth and experience. Within BNP ranks, there appears to be little overt dissent regarding the structure of the new cabinet. Senior party figures suggest that after such a prolonged absence from power, it is too early to judge the cabinet’s strengths and weaknesses. The combination of youthful energy and veteran political experience, they argue, will define the government’s performance in the months ahead.
One senior policymaker, who was not included in the cabinet, told TIMES of Bangladesh that while the blend of younger and older figures was a sound decision, greater emphasis on seasoned and long-serving leaders might have strengthened the team further. “Young leaders work well,” he said, “but without experience it is difficult to go far.” He added that the cabinet appeared “reasonably good overall” and suggested that its effectiveness would become clearer within the first 100 days.
In the 12 February parliamentary election, BNP secured 209 seats, while its alliance partners won three additional constituencies. In a break from longstanding tradition, the swearing-in ceremony was held not at the presidential residence in Bangabhaban, but at the South Plaza of the Parliament on 17 February.
Ministers have stated that the cabinet — comprising 50 members including the prime minister — will prioritise good governance and improved citizen services. They emphasise that integrity has no substitute and that competence and experience should remain central benchmarks. The government’s first task, they say, will be to lay the foundation for a corruption-free Bangladesh, beginning from the cabinet’s first day in office.
Notably, younger members outnumber veteran politicians within the cabinet. Individuals perceived to have relatively clean political reputations have been given prominence. Yet the absence of several longstanding party figures has drawn attention.
Standing Committee members Khondaker Mosharraf Hossain, Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, Abdul Moyeen Khan and Selima Rahman were not included in the cabinet list. Though widely regarded as loyal and committed party veterans, their exclusion has disappointed some supporters. Many of those left out are reportedly hopeful that future reshuffles or advisory roles may yet bring them into government, especially as several individuals were later appointed as advisers with ministerial or state ministerial status.
The cabinet also reflects significant generational and regional shifts. Several newly elected MPs were elevated directly to ministerial positions.
From Dhaka-6, Ishraque Hossain — an engineer and businessman — won election and took oath as a state minister. He is the son of former unified Dhaka mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka. From Dhaka-9, Habibur Rashid Habib; from Dhaka-10, Sheikh Robiul Alam; and from Natore-1 (Lalpur-Baghatipara), Farzana Sharmin Putul were elected as MPs for the first time and sworn in as state ministers.
Putul stands out as the only female BNP MP elected from 72 constituencies across 16 districts in the Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions. A Supreme Court lawyer by profession, she currently serves as special assistant to the BNP chairperson’s Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee, a member of the Human Rights Committee, a member of the party’s media cell and joint convener of the Natore District BNP. She is also the daughter of the late BNP leader and former State Minister for Youth and Sports Fazlur Rahman Potol. Party insiders say her inclusion reflects her professional credentials and clean public image.
Another first-time MP, Afroza Khanam Rita from Manikganj-3 (Sadar and Saturia), has been appointed as a cabinet minister. She is the first woman ever elected from that constituency since independence. Her elevation has prompted celebrations among BNP leaders and activists in Manikganj.
However, several prominent and heavyweight leaders known for their longstanding loyalty to the party were not included in either the cabinet or advisory positions. Among them are Shamsuzzaman Dudu, Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, Osman Faruk, Amanullah Aman, Abdus Salam Pintu, Zainal Abedin Farroque, Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, Lutfozzaman Babar, Khairul Kabir Khokon, Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel and AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon. Their absence has led to expressions of disappointment within some party circles.
Speaking to TIMES, BNP Secretary General and senior minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir defended the cabinet’s composition, saying Prime Minister Tarique had formed it on the basis of transparency and competence, combining youth and experience. He congratulated the electorate for voting for the party’s electoral symbol after years of political struggle.
Responding to questions about dissatisfaction among some leaders, he said the government had “only just begun” and that there was no reason for disappointment at this stage.
