Cabinet reshuffle: Who will get which ministry

A cabinet reshuffle is underway six months into the government's tenure. On Friday, four new ministers and two state ministers took oath. The new ministers are Abdul Moyeen Khan, Andalib Rahman Partho, Saching Pru Jerry and M Rashiduzzaman Millat. The new state ministers are Mohammad Shamim Kayser Lincoln and Humayun Kabir.

BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan is an MP from Narsingdi-2. Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) Chairman Andalib Rahman Partho was elected MP from Bhola-1 as a candidate of the BNP-led alliance. Bandarban MP Saching Pru Jerry is the convener of Bandarban district BNP. M Rashiduzzaman Millat was elected from Jamalpur-1 (Dewanganj-Bakshiganj) and had been serving as State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism before being promoted to full minister. Humayun Kabir was the Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser. Shamim Kayser Lincoln is a BNP MP from Gaibandha-4 (Gobindaganj upazila).

With the new ministers and state ministers, the cabinet now has 55 members, including the Prime Minister, 28 ministers and 27 state ministers.

According to party and government sources, Abdul Moyeen Khan is likely to get the Local Government Ministry, previously held by newly elected President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Andalib Rahman Partho may get the Information Ministry, with incumbent Zahir Uddin Swapon possibly being made a Prime Minister's Adviser. Rashiduzzaman Millat may become Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, with current minister Afroza Khanam Rita possibly being moved to the Food Ministry. Saching Pru Jerry is expected to be given the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, vacated by Dipen Dewan on June 1. Mohammad Shamim Kayser Lincoln is likely to become State Minister for Religious Affairs, a ministry headed by Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaykobad). Humayun Kabir may be made State Minister for Foreign Affairs as a technocrat, alongside Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and State Minister Shama Obaed.

A Cabinet Division source said a notification on the portfolio distribution will be issued soon.

It may be mentioned that after the February 12 election, the BNP-led government was formed on February 17 under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. On that day, 25 ministers and 24 state ministers took oath. Additionally, five advisers with the rank of minister and five with the rank of state minister are currently serving in various capacities.