The Bangladesh government led by BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman expanded and reshuffled its cabinet for the first time 185 days after taking office. Four new ministers and two state ministers took oath on Friday at Bangabhaban’s Darbar Hall before newly elected President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. The changes included new portfolio assignments and transfers involving existing ministers.

Zahir Uddin Swapan was moved from the information and broadcasting ministry to become an adviser to the prime minister with ministerial status. Andaleeve Rahman Partha replaced him as information minister, while Yasir Khan Chowdhury remained state minister in the same ministry. Rashiduzzaman Millat was promoted from state minister to minister for civil aviation and tourism, and Afroza Khanam Rita was transferred to the food ministry.

Humayun Kabir, the prime minister’s foreign affairs adviser, was appointed state minister for foreign affairs as Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman is expected to spend substantial time in the United States after beginning duties as UN General Assembly president in September. Sachin Prue Jerry became minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts affairs. Mohammad Shamim Kaysar Lincoln was appointed state minister for religious affairs, prompting criticism and calls for cancellation of his appointment from Hefazat-e-Islam leader Maulana Junaid Al Habib.