Cabinet expands as four new faces take oath

Bangladesh's cabinet under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to expand with four new members, sworn in Friday evening at Bangabhaban's historic Durbar Hall immediately after newly elected President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir took his own oath of office.

According to Cabinet Division sources, three BNP-affiliated lawmakers -- Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Barrister Andaleeve Rahman Partho and Sachingprue Jerry -- are set to be sworn in as full ministers, while MP Mohammad Shameem Kaisar Lincoln is expected to join as state minister. Officials have already contacted the incoming appointees and arranged official transport for the ceremony. The expansion coincides with anticipated reshuffling across several key ministries, including local government (vacated by Alamgir's elevation to the presidency), the long-vacant Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs portfolio, and possible changes in aviation, agriculture, food, energy, and information.

The swearing-in, overseen by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, drew over 1,200 dignitaries, with Acting Speaker Kaiser Kamal administering the presidential oath at 7:30 p.m. before Alamgir swore in the new ministers himself.

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With today's additions, the cabinet -- originally formed with 50 members after BNP's February electoral victory -- will grow to 54, comprising 28 full ministers and 25 state ministers alongside the prime minister, plus ten additional advisers holding ministerial rank.