Dhaka, February 18, 2026:
A new government led by BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman formally took office following a landslide victory in the 13th National Parliament elections. The 49-member cabinet—comprising 25 full ministers and 24 state ministers—was sworn in on February 17 at the South Plaza of the National Assembly.
President Mohammad Shahabuddin administered the oath to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The ministers and state ministers were sworn in subsequently.
In addition to the cabinet members, 10 advisors have been appointed to assist the Prime Minister, holding ranks equivalent to ministers and state ministers.
The new cabinet blends senior BNP figures, technocrats, fresh faces, and representatives from allied parties.
Key Full Ministers and Portfolios
Among the notable full ministers are:
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir – Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives
Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury – Ministry of Finance and Planning
Salahuddin Ahmed – Ministry of Home Affairs
Iqbal Hassan Mahmud – Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources
Hafiz Uddin Ahmed – Ministry of Liberation War Affairs
Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain – Ministry of Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare
Dr. Khalilur Rahman (Technocrat) – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Abdul Awal Mintu – Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change
Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad – Ministry of Religious Affairs
Mizanur Rahman Minu – Ministry of Land
Nitai Roy Chowdhury – Ministry of Culture
Khandaker Abdul Muktadir – Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Textiles and Jute
Ariful Haque Chowdhury – Ministry of Labor and Employment; Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment
Zahir Uddin Swapan – Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid (Technocrat) – Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock, and Food
Afroza Khanam Rita – Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism
Other cabinet members include Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Asadul Habib Dulu, Md. Asaduzzaman, Zakaria Taher, Dipen Dewan, ANM Ehsanul Haque Milan, Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain (Bokul), Fakir Mahbub Anam (Swapon), and Sheikh Rabiul Alam.
Advisors to the Prime Minister
Five advisors have been appointed with ministerial rank:
Mirza Abbas
Nazrul Islam Khan
Ruhul Kabir Rizvi
Md. Ismail Zabiullah
Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir
At the rank of State Minister:
Humayun Kabir
Brigadier General (Retd.) Shamsul Islam
Dr. Zahedur Rahman
Dr. Mahadi Amin
Rehan Asif Asad
Leaders associated with the July Movement, including Nurul Haque Nur and Jonayed Saki, have also reportedly been included.
Political Reactions and Outlook
The inclusion of technocrat Dr. Khalilur Rahman has sparked discussion within political circles, particularly regarding the technocrat quota.
With the formation of this cabinet, the interim government has officially been dissolved. Observers say the new administration now faces the task of restoring political stability and accelerating development initiatives amid heightened public expectations.
