President to administer oath to new cabinet members: Cabinet Secretary

The oath-taking ceremony for members of the new cabinet may be held within the next three to four days, Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid has said. He stated that preparations are in place to arrange the oath as early as tomorrow or the day after if necessary.

He shared this information while speaking to journalists at the Secretariat on Saturday, February 14. According to the constitution, the President will administer the oath to new cabinet members at Bangabhaban. The Cabinet Division will oversee the overall arrangements for the oath ceremony, although the formalities will be completed at Bangabhaban. Md Sahabuddin is currently serving as President.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is set to form the government after securing over two-thirds of the seats in the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Through the election held on Thursday, the party is returning to power after nearly two decades. According to the party's announcement, having won a majority of seats, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman will assume the role of Prime Minister.

Among the 297 constituencies where results have been declared, BNP has won 209 seats. The party's candidates are also leading in the two suspended constituencies. Additionally, its alliance partners have secured another three seats. Thus, the total seats for BNP and its allies stand at 212.

On the other hand, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has won 68 seats, and partners of its 11-party alliance have secured nine seats. This brings the total seats for Jamaat and its allies to 77.

The Election Commission has already published the gazette for the elected members of parliament. The Cabinet Secretary informed that first, the oath-taking for members of parliament will occur, followed by necessary formalities including the election of the leader of the house. Subsequently, the oath for the new cabinet will be held at a convenient time. He also mentioned that preparations are underway to invite approximately one thousand guests to the oath ceremony.