The process of forming a new cabinet under the leadership of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman has begun, with a proposed council of 50 members, officials said.

According to sources at the Cabinet Division on Tuesday (17 February), the proposed cabinet will comprise 25 full ministers and 24 state ministers. Three members will be included under the technocrat quota.

Following the swearing-in of the newly elected Members of Parliament, calls are being made to the BNP-nominated candidates to inform them of preparations for the oath-taking ceremony.

Portfolios will be allocated among the ministers after the swearing-in ceremony.

Three women are set to be included in the cabinet: Afroza Khanam Rita as a full minister, and Shama Obaed Islam and Farzana Sharmin as state ministers.