Nearly two decades after it last held power, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has returned to office with an absolute majority – and a cabinet dominated by first-timers.
In the 50-member council of ministers announced following the 13th National Parliamentary elections, a striking 40 are new to executive office. Many have never before served as minister or state minister. Several are first-time MPs, vaulted directly from the ballot box to the cabinet table.
Of the 25 full ministers, 17 – or 68 per cent – are new. Among state ministers, all 23 named are first-timers. Even Prime Minister Tarique Rahman himself is entering the cabinet for the first time, taking charge as both Prime Minister and Defence Minister.
A generational shift
The list of first-time full ministers includes Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, Dr Khalilur Rahman (technocrat), Abdul Awal Mintu, Mizanur Rahman Minu, Khandaker Abdul Moktadir, Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Zahir Uddin Swapan, Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid (technocrat), Afroza Khanam Rita, Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Md Asaduzzaman, Zakaria Taher Suman, Dipen Dewan, Fakir Mahbub Anam Swapan, Sardar Sakhawat Hossain Bakul and Sheikh Rabiul Alam.
The influx is even more pronounced among state ministers. New appointees include Zonayed Saki, Ishraq Hossain, Farzana Sharmin Putul, Sheikh Faridul Islam, Nurul Haque Nur, Yaser Khan Chowdhury, M Iqbal Hossain, Shama Obaid Islam, Kaiser Kamal, M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Anindya Islam Amit, Shariful Alam, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Farhad Hossain Azad, MA Muhith, Ahmed Sohel Manjur, Bobby Hajjaj, Ali Newaz Mahmud Khayyam, Mir Muhammad Helal Uddin, Habibur Rashid, Rajib Ahsan, Muhammad Abdul Bari and Mir Shahe Alam.
The numbers underline a clear political message: renewal.
Regional balance with a clear winner
An analysis of Cabinet Division data shows that Chittagong Division has emerged as the biggest beneficiary in the new line-up. Twelve members – 10 full ministers and two state ministers – hail from the division, the highest representation in the cabinet.
At the other end of the spectrum, Sylhet Division has the smallest share, with just two ministers.
Dhaka Division secured four full ministers and six state ministers, while Rajshahi, Barisal, Khulna, Mymensingh and Rangpur divisions also found varying degrees of representation.
High expectations
Political observers say the heavy presence of newcomers carries both promise and pressure. On one hand, it signals generational change and an attempt to refresh governance. On the other hand, it places significant responsibility on leaders with limited executive experience at a time of economic strain and institutional reform.
For the BNP, the message is unmistakable: this is not merely a return to power – it is a reset.
With 40 new faces seated around the cabinet table, the question now is whether fresh energy can translate into effective governance in a country watching closely.