By meticulously selecting candidates for crucial positions, BNP aims to form a capable and controversy-free cabinet that will convey a positive message to the public, according to party insiders. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is personally overseeing discussions in anticipation of the swearing-in of the BNP-led cabinet scheduled for tomorrow.
The cabinet is projected to consist of 25 to 30 members, with a mix of former ministers from the BNP-led 2001 government, Standing Committee members, and fresh faces to strike a balance between experienced leaders and emerging figures. Tarique Rahman is set to assume the role of prime minister, overseeing at least five ministries, including defense.
Party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is likely to be the next president, although the appointment process may take time. In the interim, he is expected to head a significant ministry. Former ministers Mirza Abbas and Hafiz Uddin Ahmed are poised to make a return in ministerial capacities.
Additionally, former ministers Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Abdul Moyeen Khan are also in the reckoning. Other potential appointees include Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Salahuddin Ahmed, and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, among others.
BNP Standing Committee members Gayeshwar Chandra Roy and AZM Zahid Hossain are anticipated to join the cabinet, alongside newly elected MPs like Shama Ubaed, Afroza Khanam Rita, and Barrister Farzana Sharmin Putul. For technocrat roles, individuals like Nazrul Islam Khan and Ruhul Kabir Rizvi are being considered, with a likely appointment in the Prime Minister’s Office for one of them.
Further prospective appointees from the list of MPs include Fazlur Rahman, Abdul Awal Mintoo, Muhammad Naushad Zamir, Sayeed Al Noman, and ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon. Winners like Reza Kibria and Andaleeve Rahman Partho are also expected to be included in the cabinet.
Moreover, other party members who emerged victorious in the election, such as Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu, Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee, Rokibul Islam Bakul, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Shariful Alam, and Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin are on the provisional list. Some senior leaders not earmarked for the new cabinet may secure roles in Tarique’s advisory council.
While party leaders are showing reluctance towards managing the home or information ministries due to the associated pressure and public scrutiny, Tarique has engaged in talks with several Standing Committee members to discuss potential ministerial roles. The party is focused on appointing individuals untainted by controversy, devoid of corruption accusations or power abuse allegations.
The party’s mandate to combat corruption has led to a stringent stance against including individuals facing such charges in the cabinet. The leadership is prioritizing competent, skilled, and educated individuals. Special attention will be given to the foreign, finance, law, and information ministries, deemed critical in the current political landscape.
Furthermore, there is a consideration to ensure adequate representation of women and minority groups in the forthcoming cabinet.