In a decisive move to bolster the administrative framework of the new government, the 11th Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman, has formally appointed a ten-member advisory council. The appointments, which include some of the nation’s most prominent political figures and seasoned technocrats, were officially announced on Tuesday, 17 February 2026.
Constitutional Mandate and Official Proclamation
The Cabinet Division issued the formal gazette notification following the Prime Minister’s exercise of his executive authority. According to the proclamation, the appointments were made under the powers bestowed by Rule 3(B) of the Rules of Business, 1996. This strategic selection is viewed by political analysts as an attempt to balance veteran political experience with fresh academic and technical expertise.
The ten appointees have been divided into two distinct tiers: five have been granted the prestigious rank of Cabinet Minister, while the remaining five will serve with the status of Minister of State.
Distribution of Ministerial Ranks
The following table provides a breakdown of the newly appointed advisers and their respective honorary ranks within the administration:
| Name of Appointee | Designated Rank | Professional Background/Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed | Minister | Veteran Politician & Standing Committee Member |
| Nazrul Islam Khan | Minister | Labour Leader & Senior Diplomat |
| Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed | Minister | Senior Political Strategist |
| Md. Ismail Zabiullah | Minister | Former Senior Bureaucrat |
| Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir | Minister | Eminent Economist & Academic |
| Humayun Kabir | Minister of State | Diplomatic Expert |
| Brig. Gen. (Retd) Shamsul Islam | Minister of State | Military & Security Specialist |
| Dr Zahidur Rahman | Minister of State | Public Health Expert |
| Dr Mahdi Amin | Minister of State | Policy Analyst & Academic |
| Rehan Asif Asad | Minister of State | Youth & Strategic Communications |
Immediate Implementation and Governance
The gazette, bearing the signature of Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, explicitly stated that the appointments are to take effect immediately. By conferring ministerial status upon these advisers, the Prime Minister has ensured they possess the necessary authority to oversee various departmental functions and provide high-level counsel on matters of national importance.
The inclusion of figures like Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir suggests a strong focus on economic reform, while the presence of veteran stalwarts like Mirza Abbas and Nazrul Islam Khan indicates a desire for political stability. This blend of “grey-hair” experience and contemporary expertise is expected to define the early trajectory of the Rahman administration.
As these advisers assume their roles, the Cabinet Division is expected to further clarify their specific portfolios and departmental oversight responsibilities in the coming days.
