Key Districts Excluded From Cabinet Representation

In the newly formed government led by Tarique Rahman, a striking pattern has emerged: twenty-five districts across the country have no representation in the cabinet, either as ministers or state ministers. Notably, Noakhali, long regarded as a BNP stronghold, failed to secure a single cabinet position. Similarly, Gopalganj, along with a few other districts traditionally dominated by the Awami League, has been entirely excluded. Northern and south-western districts with strong Jamaat-e-Islami influence have also received no ministerial representation.

An analysis of the cabinet list reveals that Comilla has emerged as a relative success story for the BNP, reflected in the appointment of three full ministers from the district. In contrast, representation from northern Bangladesh is more limited in terms of parliamentary seats, yet the cabinet shows notable weight from that region. Interestingly, several ministers and state ministers are children of former BNP ministers, signalling continuity of political dynasties. Even though the capital Dhaka retains some ministers, surrounding districts have largely been left out.

Districts Without Representation

Eight districts in the northern and south-western regions—Kurigram, Nilphamari, Gaibandha, Rangpur, Chapainawabganj, Meherpur, Satkhira, and Chuadanga—did not yield a single BNP victory in their 30 combined constituencies. Consequently, none of these districts have cabinet representation. Similarly, historically significant BNP districts such as Noakhali saw no appointments this term.

Among larger districts, Khulna has also been excluded, despite BNP victories in four of its six constituencies. In Jessore, BNP lost five out of six seats, with only Anind Islam winning and appointed as state minister, continuing a family tradition as his father, Tarikul Islam, served as a minister in a previous BNP-led government.

Awami League-Dominated Districts Also Absent

Gopalganj, the birthplace of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, elected three BNP MPs, yet none were appointed to the cabinet. Similarly, Madaripur and Shariatpur, traditional Awami League bastions, saw BNP victories in only two out of three seats each, but again, no cabinet positions were awarded. Exceptions include Faridpur and Rajbari, where one state minister was appointed from each district.

Capital Region Exclusions

Dhaka district, with 20 constituencies, delivered 15 victories to BNP candidates. Sheikh Robiul Alam has been appointed as a full minister of Roads, Railways, and Shipping, his first term in parliament. Four others were appointed state ministers, including former footballer Aminul Haque, who was given a technocrat position. Surrounding districts like Munshiganj, Narayanganj, and Gazipur, despite BNP victories, saw no cabinet appointments.

Northern and Rajshahi Divisions

Although the BNP won fewer seats in Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions, cabinet representation is disproportionately weighted from these areas. In Rangpur division (33 seats), BNP secured 13, Jamaat 17, and NCP 2. Cabinet appointments from Rangpur include:

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir (Thakurgaon) – Full Minister

A Z M Zahid Hossain (Dinajpur) – Minister

Asadul Habib Dulu (Lalmonirhat) – Minister

Farhad Hossain Azad (Panchagarh) – State Minister

In Rajshahi division (39 seats), BNP won 28, Jamaat 11. Cabinet members include Iqbal Hasan Mahmud (Sirajganj) and Mizanur Rahman Minu (Rajshahi) as full ministers, with four state ministers including Mir Shah Alam (Bogura) and Farzana Sharmin (Natore).

Comilla and Noakhali

BNP dominated the Greater Comilla region, winning 8 of 11 seats, resulting in three full ministers: Mohammad Aminur Rashid (technocrat), Zakaria Taher, and Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad. Additionally, A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon from Chandpur became a full minister, and Jonayed Saki from Brahmanbaria was appointed state minister.

Conversely, Noakhali district received no cabinet representation. Feni and Lakshmipur districts, however, secured one minister each: Abdul Awal Mintu and Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anni respectively.

Cabinet members took their oath of office on Tuesday afternoon, administered by President Md. Sahabuddin.

Summary Table of Selected Cabinet Representation