BNP Secures Landslide Victory, Eyes New Cabinet Formation After Two Decades

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has secured a landslide victory in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election, winning 212 seats as part of its alliance, according to results announced by the Election Commission.

The victory paves the way for the party to form a new government after nearly two decades, drawing widespread attention to the composition of the upcoming cabinet.

Political discussions are intensifying over who will be included in the new council of ministers. The countdown to cabinet formation is expected to begin once the newly elected Members of Parliament are sworn in.

BNP leaders maintain that the swearing-in of MPs will proceed in accordance with constitutional provisions. They expect the process to take place soon, allowing the nation to witness both the new parliament and the new cabinet within a short timeframe.

Party sources indicate that the new cabinet will blend experienced and younger leaders. Consideration will be given to individuals based on past sacrifices for the party and demonstrated competence. Those who were not nominated in the election may also be evaluated for ministerial roles. Subject-matter experts are expected to be prioritized, and sources suggest the cabinet will not be excessively large.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said the democratic journey that began with this election would continue. “Our goal has always been to implement democratic reforms across all state structures and to introduce the desired constitutional reforms,” he said.

He noted that the party’s manifesto had been prepared well in advance and referred to the signing of the July National Charter as a political consensus document, which the party intends to uphold in full.

Salahuddin Ahmed added that the Election Commission was expected to formally publish the gazette notification of the results, after which the constitutional process of swearing in MPs would begin.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman contested and won in two parliamentary constituencies in the election. Under his leadership, the party won more than one-third of the seats and is set to form the government. The eldest son of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman assumed greater party responsibilities following his mother’s passing. If sworn in, he will become the country’s 11th Prime Minister.

Strong speculation surrounds the inclusion of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir in a key state role in the new government.

Other senior BNP leaders being discussed for cabinet positions include Standing Committee members Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed and Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain.

Several other BNP leaders are also under discussion, including Abdul Awal Mintoo, Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, Zahiruddin Swapan, Reza Kibria, Ehsanul Haque Milan, Rashiduzzaman Millat, Shariful Alam, Dewan Salahuddin, Habibur Rashid Habib, Selim Bhuiyan, former Attorney General Asaduzzaman Asad, Barrister Kaiser Kamal, Fazlur Rahman (MP from Kishoreganj-4), Mushfiqur Rahman (MP from Brahmanbaria-4), Joint Secretary General Shaheed Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Abul Khair Bhuiyan, Shama Obaed, Farzana Sharmin Putul, Dr. Rafiqul Islam Bacchu, Asadul Habib Dulu, Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu, and Rakibul Islam Bakul.

From outside the core leadership, Prof. Dr. M A Muhit (MP from Sirajganj-6) and Abdul Wadud Bhuiya (MP from Khagrachhari) are among those being considered, while one of the elected MPs from Rangamati or Bandarban may also be included.

For technocrat ministerial roles, discussions reportedly include Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, Selima Rahman, Chairman’s adviser Ismail Zabiullah, Media Cell convener Dr. Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel, Humayun Kabir and Zia Haider.

Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and Joint Secretary General Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel are also in discussions.

Among BNP alliance partners, names being mentioned include Andalib Rahman Partho, Zonayed Saki, Nurul Haque Nur and Bobby Hajjaj.

Meanwhile, Barrister Zaima Rahman, daughter of Tarique Rahman, is expected to assume a significant role assisting the Prime Minister. BNP Chairman’s adviser Mahdi Amin is also being discussed for a similar responsibility in the new administration.