By NNN-Xinhua,
Dhaka : Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Friday reshuffled the portfolios after expanding her cabinet with the induction of one minister and five state ministers.
With the induction of six new members, the strength of Hasina’s cabinet rose to 44.
Newly inducted Ministers Mohammad Shajahan Khan MP was given the charge of the Shipping Ministry while Afsarul Amin was moved to the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education.
Hasan Mahmud, who was state minister for foreign affairs, was sent to the Ministry of Environment and Forest while Mustafizur Rahman was reassigned as state minister for land.
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Shamsul Huq Tuku was given the new responsibility as State Minister for Home Affairs to fill the vacancy left by Tanjim Ahmed Sohel Taj’s recent resignation.
Among the newly inducted five state ministers, Enamul Huq was given the portfolio of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Mujibur Rahman Fakir went to Health and Family Welfare Ministry, Promod Mankin went to Cultural Affairs Ministry, Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury went to Women and Children Affairs Ministry and Mahbubur Rahman went to Water Resources Ministry.
Earlier, President Zillur Rahman administered oath of office to one minister and five ministers of state at Bangabhaban (President’ s Office). Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, ministers, MPs and high civil and military officers were present at the swearing-in ceremony.
This is the second expansion of the cabinet since Hasina formed her government with a 32-member council of ministers on January 6 after massive election victory in the parliament elections held on Dec. 29, 2008. On January 24, she first expanded her cabinet with the appointment of six state ministers.