Major cabinet reshuffle may be imminent
In a bid to increase dynamism in administrative work and in the consideration of the range of the ministries, the size of the cabinet is being enlarge once again.
Reliable sources said, a major reshuffle, change or expanding might to come in the cabinet in this month or the beginning of the next month.
Insiders said, the main reasons of bringing the potential change is to gear-up the work of the government, evaluation and to increase skills in different department.
Contacted, one of the officials of the Prime Minister’s office told Asia Post preferring anonymity, “It is true that the discussion of the change has taken place. But the final date of the change knows only the PM.”
Six months into the government’s tenure, an initial reshuffle had already taken place, triggering mixed reactions in political and administrative circles. While some government insiders viewed it as an initial outcome of the prime minister’s announced “six-month performance evaluation,” others saw it as part of efforts to fill vacant posts, redistribute portfolios and maintain political coordination.
Following the six-month reshuffle, new questions have emerged over the composition and efficiency of the Cabinet. After the expansion and redistribution of portfolios, several ministries now have a full minister, a state minister and a prime ministerial adviser overseeing related affairs at the same time. Questions have also been raised over the rationale for appointing state ministers to some relatively small ministries.
It may be recalled that the BNP formed the government after winning 212 seats in the 13th parliamentary election held on February 12. Five days after the election, on February 17, the new government took office under the leadership of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. His 47-member Cabinet initially comprised 24 ministers and 23 state ministers. The government completed six months on August 16.
At present, the Cabinet has 51 members, including the prime minister — 26 full ministers and 24 state ministers. In addition, there are 11 advisers to the prime minister outside the Cabinet, six of whom hold ministerial rank and five hold state ministerial rank.
According to information from the Cabinet Division, the advisers holding ministerial rank are Mirza Abbas (political affairs), Nazrul Islam Khan (agriculture), Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi (industries), Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir (finance and planning), and Ismail Zabiullah (public administration). Among the advisers holding state ministerial rank, Humayun Kabir had been serving as adviser for foreign affairs, disaster management and relief, and civil aviation and tourism.
After he was sworn in as a state minister on August 21, his responsibilities have changed. However, no clear announcement has been made as to whether he is still serving as adviser to the other two ministries. Meanwhile, Zahir Uddin Swapan has newly been appointed as a political adviser with ministerial rank.
Who may be inducted into the Cabinet
A source at the Prime Minister’s Office said the government is placing importance on bringing long-serving senior leaders who have made sacrifices on the streets and remained overlooked for years into the Cabinet to improve its effectiveness. In that case, senior and experienced leaders could be given full ministries, while younger leaders could be appointed as state ministers in various ministries. In particular, there is a strong possibility of appointing new state ministers to the home, agriculture, and science and technology ministries due to their heavy workloads.
According to sources, while maintaining regional balance and various quota considerations, new faces could be selected from among BNP standing committee members and senior office-bearers under the technocrat or parliamentary member quota. Particular attention is reportedly being given to leaders who faced political persecution under previous governments and those who remained with the party during its difficult years.
Among those whose names are being discussed most prominently are BNP Standing Committee member and MP Gayeshwar Chandra Roy; chairman’s adviser and former opposition chief whip Zainul Abdin Faruk, MP; Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu; Chairperson’s Adviser Moazzem Hossain Alal; and Joint Secretary General Habib-Un-Nabi Khan Sohel. In addition, BNP Acting Secretary General and Prime Minister’s Adviser Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, as well as newly appointed Standing Committee member Aman Ullah Aman, MP, may be inducted into the Cabinet.
Others whose names are being discussed include Parliamentary Whip Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu, MP; A.B.M. Ashraf Uddin Nijan, MP; BNP Training Affairs Secretary A.B.M. Mosharraf Hossain, MP; lawmaker Mujibur Rahman; reserved-seat MP Mahmuda Habiba; lawmaker Ershad Ullah; and Md Abul Kalam (Chaiti Kalam), among others.
Ministries that may see changes
Education Ministry at the centre of discussions:
The Education Ministry is at the centre of speculation over the possible reshuffle. Allegations have surfaced that the education minister behaves extremely rudely toward BNP leaders, activists and members of the public who come from his own constituency as well as different parts of the country. Party leaders have also expressed strong resentment after his previously used phone number began being answered by his personal secretary.
There has also been controversy over the decision to hold examinations during a period of disaster, various statements and other controversial activities. According to sources, even the prime minister has reportedly been embarrassed by some of these developments.
In such a situation, current Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Haque Milan could be transferred to another ministry. Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson and adviser Mahadi Amin or lawmaker and teachers’ leader Principal Selim Bhuiyan could be given charge of the Education Ministry in his place. The proposed change is reportedly aimed at accelerating ongoing reforms in the education sector under young and well-educated leadership.
Indications of promotion in the Health Ministry:
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare may also see major changes. Current Health Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain Bakul has reportedly faced the prime minister’s displeasure over excessive talking and inappropriate remarks at various seminars. During an event at Dhaka Medical College, the prime minister reportedly asked him not to stray from the main topic while he was speaking.
Controversy also arose over the suspension of the licence of Ad-Din Hospital following the deaths of newborns and the subsequent withdrawal of the decision to cancel the licence.
More recently, allegations have surfaced that “Mithu,” an alleged member of a corruption syndicate that was notorious during the previous government, has become active again after securing bail and has been drawing up plans for irregularities under the influence of the health minister after meeting him. It has also been alleged that Director Dr Rashed Anwar was pressured to communicate with a specific company regarding the purchase of dialysis machines for a kidney hospital.
There are also allegations that the minister summoned EDCIL Managing Director A.K.M. Ashrafuzzaman to his residence, introduced him to his younger brother and instructed him to work with the Mithu syndicate. The MD, who is reportedly under considerable pressure, declined to comment on the matter.
Against this backdrop, the health minister may be transferred to another ministry, while current Health State Minister Dr M.A. Muhith could be promoted to full minister and given charge of the ministry. His measured communication style and long experience in the health sector are reportedly among the factors being considered.
Portfolios of several ministers may be reduced
To overcome stagnation in several important ministries, a decision may be taken to reduce the workload of ministers who currently oversee multiple portfolios. One full minister currently in charge of three ministries may have one portfolio taken away and handed over to lawmaker Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas. Overall, there are rumours that the responsibilities of three ministers could be reduced and that the portfolio of one state minister could be changed.
Meanwhile, two days ago, traffic police filed a case against the vehicle of Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat for allegedly driving recklessly on the wrong side of the road on Circuit House Road in the capital. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is reportedly extremely angry over the incident.
According to reliable sources, dissatisfaction has emerged at the government’s policy-making level over the lack of expected or visible progress in the overall activities of the Agriculture Ministry. As a result, strong speculation has emerged in political circles that the portfolio of incumbent Agriculture Minister Haji Aminur Rashid Yasin could be changed or reshuffled.
Political analysts say the first six months of a new government are extremely important. Taking administrative action against ministers or state ministers who have damaged the government’s image through controversial remarks, corruption or misconduct, or reducing their responsibilities, would strengthen the government’s position.
They also believe that appointing competent and controversy-free individuals to sensitive sectors such as education and health could increase public confidence in the government. At the same time, bringing long-neglected and tested leaders from the streets into the Cabinet could reduce dissatisfaction within the party and make grassroots activists who made sacrifices for the party feel valued.
A BNP Standing Committee member, speaking to Asia Post on condition of anonymity, said, “Who will be inducted into or dropped from the Cabinet is entirely the prime minister’s prerogative. He is closely monitoring everyone’s performance, and if he is not satisfied with their performance, changes are natural.”
BNP Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Home Ministry, Advocate Zainal Abedin, told Asia Post, “Changes may take place. The prime minister can say more about the matter. If changes are made, he will best understand whom to bring in for the interests of the country and its people.”
BNP Standing Committee member and Adviser to the Ministry of Public Administration Ismail Zabiullah told Asia Post, “I am not aware of the matter.”
Prime Minister’s Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman said, “Reorganisation or reshuffling is a routine matter for a party and government. It is done when necessary. If the head of government feels the need, he will make the final decision after evaluating the performance of those currently holding responsibilities.”