The newly formed cabinet led by BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman shows a noticeable regional imbalance, with Chattogram Division receiving the highest representation while Sylhet Division has secured the lowest number of ministerial positions.
According to an analysis of data released by the Cabinet Division on Tuesday (February 17), a total of 12 members from Chattogram Division have been appointed as ministers and state ministers. In contrast, only two full ministers have been appointed from Sylhet Division.
Chattogram Leads in Cabinet Representation
From Chattogram Division, the following individuals have been appointed as ministers:
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Ameer Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury
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Salahuddin Ahmed
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Abdul Awal Mintoo
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Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad
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Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie
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Zakaria Taher
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Dipen Dewan
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A.N.M. Ehsanul Haque Milon
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Mohammad Aminur Rashid
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Dr. Khalilur Rahman
Additionally, the following have been appointed as state ministers from the same division:
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Junaid Abdur Rahim Saki
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Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin
This makes Chattogram the most represented region in the new cabinet.
Sylhet’s Limited Presence
From Sylhet Division, only two leaders have been appointed as full ministers:
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Ariful Haque Chowdhury – Ministry of Labour and Employment; Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment
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Khandaker Abdul Muktadir – Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Textiles & Jute
BNP Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir has been appointed as an adviser with the rank of state minister.
Despite Sylhet’s political importance and significant expatriate influence, its representation remains comparatively low in the new administration.
Representation from Other Divisions
Dhaka Division
Ministers:
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Afroza Khanam Rita
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Fakir Mahbub Anam Swapan
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Sardar Sakhawat Hossain Bakul
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Sheikh Robiul Alam
State Ministers:
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Ishraque Hossain
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Shama Obaed Islam
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Sultan Salahuddin Tuku
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Bobby Hajjaj
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Habibur Rashid
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Ali Newaz Mahmood Khaiyam
Rajshahi Division
Ministers:
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Iqbal Hasan Mahmud
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Mizanur Rahman Minu
State Ministers:
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M.A. Muhit
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Mir Shahe Alam
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Farzana Sharmin
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Mohammad Abdul Bari
Barishal Division
Ministers:
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Hafiz Uddin Ahmed
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Jahir Uddin Swapan
State Ministers:
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Ahmed Sohel Manjur
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Rajib Ahsan
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Nurul Haque Nur
Khulna Division
Minister:
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Nitai Roy Chowdhury
State Ministers:
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Mohammad Asaduzzaman
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Anindya Islam Amit
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Sheikh Faridul Islam
Mymensingh Division
State Ministers:
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Mohammad Shariful Alam
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Kaiser Kamal
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M. Rashiduzzaman Millat
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Yaser Khan Chowdhury
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M. Iqbal Hossain
Rangpur Division
Ministers:
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Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir
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Abu Zafar Mohammad Zahid Hossain
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Asadul Habib
State Minister:
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Farhad Hossain Azad
Political Significance
The regional distribution of ministerial appointments has already sparked discussions among political observers, particularly regarding Sylhet’s comparatively limited representation. Analysts suggest that the composition of the cabinet reflects strategic political balancing but may also influence regional political dynamics in the coming years.
Further analysis is expected as the government formally announces detailed portfolio responsibilities and policy directions.
