New Cabinet to be Sworn In at Parliament’s South Plaza, Not Bangabhaban

In a landmark victory, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has emerged triumphant in the long-awaited 13th National Parliamentary Elections.

Securing more than a two-thirds majority, the party is set to form the government independently. The date for the swearing-in ceremony of the new BNP cabinet has already been finalized.

Breaking away from tradition, the ceremony will not be held at the President's official residence, Bangabhaban.

For the first time in the country’s history, the oath-taking ceremony for the new cabinet members will take place at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath to the new cabinet members on Tuesday (February 17) at 4:00 PM.

Earlier that morning, the Chief Election Commissioner will swear in the newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs).

These details were confirmed by sources within the Cabinet Division and the Parliament Secretariat. Concerned officials stated that preparations are currently underway according to the schedule.

Election Background and Mandate
The voting for the 13th National Parliamentary Election, along with a national referendum, concluded last Thursday (February 12). While 151 seats are required to form a majority in the 300-seat Bangladesh Parliament, the BNP achieved an absolute majority by securing over 200 seats.

The Road to Government Formation
Following standard procedure, the swearing-in of MPs will be followed by a meeting of the Parliamentary Board to elect the Leader of the House. The elected leader will then meet the President to demonstrate their absolute majority and request to form the government. Consequently:

• The President will appoint the leader as the Prime Minister.
• The Prime Minister will then select the members of the cabinet.
• The President will subsequently administer the oath to the Prime Minister and the cabinet.

As the leader of the party with the highest number of seats, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is almost certain to become the Leader of the House and the next Prime Minister.

Cabinet Composition
According to Article 56 of the Constitution, the cabinet will consist of a Prime Minister and other Ministers, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers as determined by the Prime Minister.

The Constitution mandates that:

• At least nine-tenths (90%) of the cabinet members must be appointed from among the elected MPs.
• A maximum of one-tenth (10%) can be appointed from individuals eligible to be elected as MPs (Technocrat ministers).

Official Transition of Power
The President will first swear in the Prime Minister, followed by the Ministers, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers. Immediately after the ceremony, the Cabinet Division will issue a gazette notification regarding the distribution of portfolios.

Once the new cabinet takes their oath, they will officially become the new government of the country.

The current interim government will remain in power until the swearing-in ceremony, at which point the Advisory Council of the interim government will be automatically dissolved.