The political landscape of northern Bangladesh has reached a significant turning point with the appointment of Mizanur Rahman Minu as the Minister for Land. A veteran of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and a figure synonymous with the development of Rajshahi, Minu’s elevation to a full ministerial rank in the 2026 cabinet marks the end of a 46-year hiatus for the Rajshahi Sadr constituency in the upper tiers of government.
A Career of Records and Resilience
Born on 7 January 1958, Minu’s political journey began in the corridors of Rajshahi College. His rise was meteoric; at the age of just 32, he made history as the nation’s youngest mayor. His tenure at the helm of Rajshahi City Corporation lasted an unprecedented 17 years, during which he transformed a lagging regional centre into a model of urban governance.
Under his leadership, Rajshahi earned the prestigious UNESCO recognition in 2004 as the “Happiest City in the World.” This international accolade was a testament to his focus on education, infrastructure, and public health, earning him the moniker “The Architect of Modern Rajshahi.”
Political Milestone and Electoral Success
Minu’s popularity transcends party lines, largely due to what locals describe as his “magical” ability to connect with the common man. Whether cycling to remote villages for organisational work or facing numerous incarcerations during periods of political upheaval, his resilience has solidified his status as a “charismatic leader.”
In the 13th National Parliamentary Election of 2026, Minu secured a decisive victory in the Rajshahi-2 seat, defeating his nearest rival from Jamaat-e-Islami. His appointment as the Land Minister by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is seen as a strategic move to utilise his vast administrative experience.
| Milestone | Year / Detail |
| Birth | 7 January 1958, Rajshahi |
| Youngest Mayor | Elected in 1991 (Aged 32) |
| Mayoral Tenure | 17 Consecutive Years |
| UNESCO Recognition | 2004 (Happiest City in the World) |
| 2026 Election | Elected MP for Rajshahi-2 |
| Current Portfolio | Minister for Land |
The “Minu Magic” and Public Expectation
Colleagues and constituents alike refer to his approachable nature as the “Minu Magic.” Former Mayor Mosaddek Hossain Bulbul noted that Minu’s organisational skills and sympathy for the grassroots have been instrumental in strengthening the nationalist movement in the north.
As he takes charge of the Ministry of Land—a department critical for national development and administrative reform—the expectations from the people of Rajshahi are sky-high. After nearly half a century without a full minister from the Sadr seat, the region anticipates a renewed era of industrial growth and educational advancement under his stewardship.