Bangladesh Interim Government Expands with New Council Members

Bangladesh's interim government, headed by Professor Muhammad Yunus, expanded its council of advisers to 24 members with the induction of industrialist Sheikh Bashir Uddin, filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, and student movement leader Mahfuj Alam. Their appointment is likely to cause a reshuffling of portfolios within the council.

Bangladesh's interim government, led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, welcomed three new members to its council of advisers during a ceremony at the Bangabhaban presidential palace on Sunday evening. President Mohammad Shahabuddin administered the oath of office.

The new advisers include industrialist Sheikh Bashir Uddin, director Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, and anti-discrimination students movement leader Mahfuj Alam. The induction brings the council's membership to 24, according to Bangabhaban officials.

The appointments come amid expectations of a reshuffle in the council, which was originally formed in August following the removal of the Awami League regime of then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The regime change was driven by a mass movement demanding Hasina's resignation, initially sparked by protests against government job quota reforms.

(With inputs from agencies.)