Prime Minister Tarique Rahman appoints advisers with the ranks of minister and state minister, according to a formal notification. The Bangladesh PM appoints 10 advisers effective immediately under official rules. This step bolsters advisory support in the new administration.
The appointments mark a key consolidation phase for governance in Bangladesh following recent elections. They ensure high-level expertise flows directly to the Prime Minister’s Office while maintaining protocol equivalence with full cabinet members. In South Asia’s volatile political landscape, such moves signal stability and continuity in Dhaka, a pivotal player in regional forums like SAARC.
Notification confirms Tarique Rahman appoints advisers
The Cabinet Division issued the notification on 17 February 2026. Cabinet Secretary Dr Nasimul Ghani signed the gazette document. BSS reported the details on 18 February 2026. The process followed Rule 3(b) of the Rules of Business, 1996.
Tarique Rahman appoints advisers exercising powers vested in the Prime Minister. The order grants full status, salaries, allowances and benefits equivalent to ministers and state ministers. No specific portfolios were assigned in the notification. The advisers will support policy advice and may attend cabinet meetings when required.
List of PM Tarique advisers Bangladesh
Five appointees receive the rank of minister. Five others receive the rank of state minister. All ten form the core advisory team.
Advisers with minister rank:
- Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed
- Nazrul Islam Khan
- Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed
- Md Ismail Zabiullah
- Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir
Advisers with state minister rank:
- Humayun Kabir
- Brig Gen (retd) Shamsul Islam
- Dr Zahedur Rahman
- Dr Mahadi Amin
- Rehan Asif Asad
These advisers with minister state minister status now hold equivalent protocol and remuneration under the Ministers, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers (Remuneration and Privileges) Act, 1973. The structure allows flexible advisory input without additional line-ministry responsibilities.
Legal basis for Bangladesh PM appoints 10 advisers
Rule 3(b) of the Rules of Business, 1996, empowers the Prime Minister to appoint advisers on terms deemed expedient in the public interest. TBS confirmed the reference to this clause in the Cabinet Division notification. The provision has been used by successive governments to augment executive capacity.
The rule states the Prime Minister may appoint as many advisers and special assistants as required. Appointees enjoy the status of ministers or state ministers while serving in advisory roles. This framework ensures continuity and expert guidance during transitions.
Tarique Rahman appoints advisers at a time when the administration finalises its operational structure. The immediate effect clause allows seamless integration into government functioning from 18 February 2026 onward.
Privileges attached to PM Tarique advisers Bangladesh
Appointees receive salaries, allowances, official residences and transport facilities matching their assigned ranks. They gain access to official secretariat services and security protocols. The status also includes participation rights in high-level meetings when directed by the Prime Minister.
This equivalence streamlines decision-making. Advisers with minister state minister status can contribute across multiple domains without the administrative load of full ministries. The model mirrors practices in other South Asian parliamentary systems where specialised counsel supports the head of government.
Background on advisory appointments in Bangladesh
Successive Prime Ministers have utilised this mechanism since the Rules of Business were framed. The provision allows rapid deployment of experienced figures during critical periods. In the current context, the appointments complete the advisory layer around the Prime Minister following cabinet formation.
No gazette notification number was publicly detailed in initial reports.
What’s next after Tarique Rahman appoints advisers
The ten appointees will assume duties immediately. They are expected to provide strategic counsel on governance priorities. Further notifications may allocate specific advisory domains if required.
The development reinforces the Prime Minister’s direct control over key advisory functions. Observers in South Asia will monitor how these advisers with minister state minister status influence policy direction in the coming months.
Tarique Rahman appoints advisers as part of building a robust support system for effective governance. The full impact will unfold as the new team settles into its roles.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 18th, 2026
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