Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) - The Awami League-led alliance government on Monday inducted two more ministers and elevated a state minister to the post of a full minister.
The new faces took oath as ministers are Awami League senior leaders Suranjit Sengupta, MP and Obaidul Quader MP State Minister for Environment and Forests Dr Hasan Mahmud took oath as a full minister.
With the swearing-in of the new ministers, the strength of the present cabinet rose to 45 from 43.
President Zillur Rahman administered the oath at the Credential Hall of Bangabhaban at about 8:15 pm. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was present on the occasion, according to reports.
LGRD Minister Syed Ashraful Islam and Deputy Leader of the House Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury were, among others, present at the function conducted by Cabinet Secretary Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan.
State minister for environment and forests Hasan Mahmud has been made a full minister and he remains in charge of the same ministry. But the portfolios of the two others were not distributed immediately.
The Cabinet Division is likely to distribute the new ministers' portfolios on Tuesday.
Mr. Suranjit might get the parliamentary affairs ministry while Mr. Obaidul could head the information ministry. No controversial or poorly performing minister has been dropped from the cabinet, The Daily Star, a local newspaper, reported quoting ruling Awami League (AL) sources.
BBN/SSR/AD-29Nov11-9:19 am (BST)