Cabinet likely to get new members today

The cabinet is likely to see a reshuffle today (Tuesday) apparently to infuse dynamism into government activities ahead of the next general election, report agencies.

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Narayan Chandra Chanda, AKM Shahjahan Kamal, an MP from Laxmipur-3 constituency, Kazi Keramat Ali, elected from Rajbari-1 and IT expert Mustafa Jabbar have been invited to remain present at Bangabhaban on Tuesday.

All of them have told a news agency that the oath-taking ceremony is set to take place Tuesday evening.

"The Cabinet Secretary invited me to be present at Bangabhaban at 6:30pm on Tuesday," Narayan Chandra said.

Contacted, Mustafa Jabbar said, "It's an unofficial matter. I can't say anything right now. You'll be able to know officially."

Speculations run high that Narayan Chandra might be promoted as Fisheries and Livestock Minister which fell vacant following the death of Fisheries and Livestock Minister Muhammed Sayedul Hoque on December 16 last.

Other three also might be inducted into the Cabinet.

Jabbar, the president of Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services or BASIS, is likely to be made a technocrat minister as he is not a lawmaker.

Kazi Keramat Ali said: "I have been asked to be at the Bangabhaban."

AKM Shajahan Kamal confirmed that he was also invited to the oath-taking ceremony scheduled for 6:00pm today.

Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Shafiul Alam did not provide details on the cabinet expansion, but said: "You will get to know when it happens."