What is technocrat minister and why, what the constitution says

After the 13th National Parliament election, discussions are going on across the country about the formation of a new cabinet. Especially, the interest of the general public in who is becoming a minister under the 'technocrat' quota is quite noticeable. Many people want to know how someone becomes a minister without being a member of parliament and why such an opportunity has been provided.

What is a technocrat minister?
Simply put, someone who did not become a member of parliament by participating in the election directly, but gets a place in the cabinet through the Prime Minister due to special skills, professional experience or policy-making ability is a technocrat minister.

Constitutional basis
According to Article 56(2) of the Constitution of Bangladesh, the Prime Minister can appoint not more than one-tenth of the total members of the cabinet from among such people who are not members of parliament. However, the condition is that the person must have all the qualifications to become a member of parliament. That is, if he stood for election, he would not have been legally disqualified.

Why are technocrat ministers appointed?
This system has been put in place due to some special needs in government administration—

1. Adding expert knowledge
Sometimes experts are needed in complex fields like economy, information technology, foreign affairs or health sector. Even if they are not directly involved in politics, they can play an important role in state administration.

2. Evaluation of talent and experience
An opportunity is created to involve skilled, highly educated and experienced people from inside or outside the party in policy making.

3. Maintaining political balance
This quota is used to utilize the experience of a senior or tested leader of the party if he is unable to participate in the election or if he is defeated.

Important questions and answers about technocrat ministers

Who is a technocrat minister?
-A person appointed to the cabinet by the Prime Minister on the basis of special qualifications without winning the election is called a technocrat minister.

How does one become a minister without being a member of parliament?
-Article 56(2) of the Constitution gives this power to the Prime Minister.

How many technocrats can be ministers?
-A maximum of one-tenth (10 percent) of the total number of cabinet members.

What are their qualifications?
-Must have all the constitutional qualifications to be a member of Parliament.

Can they vote in Parliament?
-No. They can speak in Parliament, but cannot vote.

Are their salaries and benefits equal?
-Yes. They receive the same salary, allowances and other benefits as full ministers.

To whom are they accountable?
-Directly to the Prime Minister and to Parliament as a whole through the Cabinet.

Can they be foreign nationals?
-No. Because one cannot become a minister without the qualifications to be a member of Parliament.

Is it possible to be appointed as a Minister of State or Deputy Minister?
-Yes, it is possible.

Who administers the oath?

-The President.

Is it mandatory to use the technocrat quota?

-No. It is a discretionary power of the Prime Minister.