Where will the country’s new Prime Minister take office?

Following the triumph of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the 13th National Parliament elections, preparations for forming the new government are well underway. Internal discussions are ongoing regarding the allocation of ministerial positions, while opposition parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami and their allied MPs, prepare to assume their roles in parliament.

On Tuesday, Members of Parliament and the newly appointed ministers are scheduled to take their oaths. Subsequently, members of the freshly formed cabinet will move into government residences, marking the commencement of their official duties.

The government maintains a total of 71 official bungalows and residences, designated for the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, ministers, state ministers, and deputy ministers. Preparations for these residences are in progress, with particular attention being paid to the Prime Minister’s official dwelling. However, as of now, officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) remain uncertain as to which residence the new Prime Minister will occupy.

Speculation has arisen that the new Prime Minister may take up residence in the current Chief Adviser’s bungalow along the banks of the Yamuna, as the former Prime Minister’s official residence, Ganabhaban, has been converted into the July People’s Uprising Memorial Museum. Despite these reports, no formal confirmation has been received from the Ministries of Housing or Public Works, nor from the respective directorates.

Md. Khalekuzzaman Chowdhury, Chief Engineer of the PWD, told Jugantor on Sunday that the department has not yet been informed of the Prime Minister’s preferred residence. Consequently, renovation work has not commenced. “Once the Prime Minister makes a decision, the PWD will undertake all necessary preparations for the residence,” he said.

Md. Asaduzzaman, Director of the Government Housing Directorate, stated that approximately half of the 71 government bungalows are currently vacant and ready for occupancy. The remaining houses are still occupied by representatives of the interim government, who will vacate them in due course. Following the swearing-in ceremony, the newly appointed Prime Minister, ministers, and other senior officials will formally be entitled to these residences. If there is any delay in allocation, they will receive the appropriate government housing allowance.

The residences are strategically located in prominent areas of the capital, including Bailey Road, Minto Road, Hair Road, Dhanmondi, the Parliament vicinity, and Gulshan. The PWD oversees maintenance, while allocation is managed by the Housing Directorate and the Ministry of Housing and Public Works. Notably, 29 Minto Road is designated for the Leader of the Opposition and has previously housed former Prime Ministers Begum Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina. Reports suggest that Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Amir of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, may reside there this term.

Several interim government advisers have already vacated their official residences, including Advisors Adilur Rahman Khan, Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan, and Special Assistant Khoda Bakhsh Chowdhury, clearing the way for the incoming cabinet.

Overview of Official Residences

With the swearing-in ceremony imminent, government officials are closely coordinating to ensure timely readiness of all residences, particularly for the Prime Minister and senior cabinet members.