In a definitive move to consolidate the executive branch of the eleventh administration, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman, has officially appointed ten high-profile individuals to serve as his personal advisers. The appointments, which were formalised on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, represent a blend of veteran political figures and technical experts, aimed at steering the nation through its current socio-economic transition.
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Legal Framework and Cabinet Ranking
The appointments were announced via a gazette notification issued by the Cabinet Division of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. According to the notification, the Prime Minister exercised the specific authority granted to him under Rule 3(B) of the Rules of Business, 1996.
To ensure these advisers possess the necessary influence and administrative weight, they have been accorded specific ranks. Five of the appointees have been granted the prestigious status of a Minister, while the remaining five have been designated with the rank of a State Minister. This hierarchical structure allows the Prime Minister to delegate high-level oversight while maintaining a streamlined advisory council.
A Diverse Advisory Council
The list of appointees includes seasoned politicians such as Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed and Nuhurul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed, alongside academic and military figures. This composition suggests a strategy of balancing political loyalty with specialised expertise in governance, security, and economic policy.
The Cabinet Secretary, Nasimul Gani, who signed the proclamation, confirmed that the orders take effect immediately. These advisers are expected to oversee various ministries and provide direct counsel to the Prime Minister on matters of national importance.
Official List of Prime Ministerial Advisers
| Name of Appointee | Designated Rank | Background/Affiliation |
| Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed | Minister Status | Veteran Politician |
| Nazarul Islam Khan | Minister Status | Senior Labour Leader/Politician |
| Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed | Minister Status | Senior Political Figure |
| Md. Ismail Zabiullah | Minister Status | Former Civil Servant |
| Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir | Minister Status | Academic & Economist |
| Humayun Kabir | State Minister Status | Diplomatic/Political |
| Brig. Gen. (Retd) Shamsul Islam | State Minister Status | Military/Security Expert |
| Dr Zahedur Rahman | State Minister Status | Medical/Policy Specialist |
| Dr Mahdi Amin | State Minister Status | Policy Strategist |
| Rehan Asif Asad | State Minister Status | Emerging Professional |
Strategic Implications
By invoking the Rules of Business, 1996, Prime Minister Rahman is effectively creating a “Kitchen Cabinet” of trusted lieutenants. This move is seen by political analysts as an attempt to bypass traditional bureaucratic bottlenecks and accelerate the implementation of the government’s core manifesto.
The inclusion of Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, a noted economist, and Brigadier General (Retd) Shamsul Islam indicates a focus on navigating the complexities of global trade and domestic security. As these advisers assume their roles, the focus will shift to how they coordinate with the existing ministerial portfolios to deliver on the administration’s promises.
