Six months after establishing his administration, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expanded his council of ministers by inducting five new members and promoting an existing state minister.

Taking the oath as full ministers were BNP Standing Committee member and Narsingdi-2 MP Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) Chairman and Bhola-1 MP Andaleeve Rahman Partho, Bandarban MP Saching Prue Jerry and State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Rashiduzzaman Millat, who was elevated to minister rank.

Concurrently, Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir and Gaibandha-4 lawmaker Mohammad Shamim Kaiser Lincoln were sworn in as state ministers.

The swearing-in proceedings occurred at the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban on Friday evening, immediately following the inauguration of Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as Bangladesh’s 23rd President.

The oath for the presidential office was administered by Acting Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal at 7:30 pm, after which President Mirza Fakhrul administered the oath to the incoming cabinet members.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, cabinet members, and over 1,200 distinguished guests attended the ceremony. Five of the inductees were seated inside the Darbar Hall ahead of the proceedings.

The cabinet expansion anticipates a broader reshuffle involving portfolios across ministries. With Mirza Fakhrul assuming the presidency, the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives fell vacant. Previously, Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan stepped down on June 1 citing health concerns.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman originally took office on February 17 following the victory of the BNP in the February 12 general election, alongside 25 ministers and 24 state ministers.

With Inputs from UNB