Speculation over a major cabinet reshuffle and expansion has intensified in political circles, with senior party and government sources indicating that the administration may undergo significant changes after Eid-ul-Azha.
According to multiple sources within the BNP and the government, the cabinet under the leadership of Tarique Rahman could be expanded at any time, with a large-scale reshuffle expected shortly after Eid.
The discussions reportedly include reassigning several current ministers to different ministries while inducting new faces into the cabinet.
Party insiders said demands for changes in the cabinet have been growing from grassroots leaders, political activists and various social organisations even before the government completes six months in office.
In this context, policymakers are considering bringing in several long-serving party leaders who have remained outside the cabinet despite years of political involvement.
Sources said the government also plans to appoint several technocrats to improve administrative efficiency, including experienced civil servants and policy advisers.
Among those being discussed for possible ministerial roles are senior BNP leaders Shamsuzzaman Dudu, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, Prime Minister’s adviser Ismail Zabiullah, Principal Secretary ABM Sattar and defeated Nilphamari-2 candidate Shahrin Islam Chowdhury Tuhin under the technocrat quota.
Sources also said former chief whip and Noakhali-2 lawmaker Zainul Abdin Farroque is being considered for a full ministerial position.
Discussions are also underway regarding the future of Dhaka North City Corporation administrator Abdus Salam. If he is not nominated as mayoral candidate, BNP Joint Secretary General Habibun Nabi Khan Sohel may receive the nomination instead.
In that case, Abdus Salam could be appointed as an adviser to the prime minister with ministerial status or posted as ambassador abroad.
If ABM Sattar is inducted into the cabinet under the technocrat quota, former prime minister Khaleda Zia’s former APS Shamsul Alam may become principal secretary, according to sources.
Party insiders also said BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan is being considered for the presidency in the future. If that does not materialise, the party high command may consider Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir or Standing Committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain for the post.
However, Standing Committee member Goyeshwar Chandra Roy has reportedly expressed unwillingness to join the cabinet.
Sources further said that if Shahrin Islam Chowdhury Tuhin is appointed as a technocrat minister, he may be assigned the water resources ministry, which could lead to the reassignment of current minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie.
The government is also considering reassigning State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam and Road Transport, Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam Robi to different ministries.
In addition, discussions are reportedly ongoing about appointing a regular television talk show commentator as a special assistant to the prime minister with state minister status.
BNP leaders said the planned reshuffle is part of a broader strategy to address upcoming political and administrative challenges, particularly in the areas of economic management, administrative reform and public engagement.
However, no senior BNP or government official was willing to speak on the record regarding the matter.
