36 bungalows, apartments being prepared for cabinet members

Thirty-six official residences, including 24 bungalows and 12 apartments, are being readied for members of the new cabinet, who are set to take the oath at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad on Tuesday afternoon.

These residences are located on Bailey Road, Minto Road and Hare Road in the capital – collectively known as ‘Mantripara’ (Ministers’ Neighbourhood).

The authorities have already vacated some of the bungalows and apartments, while others are currently occupied by advisers to the interim government, retired justices and senior government officials.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to be sworn in as the country’s new prime minister today, to be followed by the swearing-in of his cabinet members.

Key party sources indicate that the size of the new cabinet may range from 35 to 37 members. Within this, 26 to 27 individuals are expected to be appointed as full ministers, while nine to 10 may be appointed as state ministers. One or two more names could potentially be added at the final moment. 

However, it is not confirmed yet where the newly elected prime minister will reside. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus lived in the state guest house Jamuna while the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina lived in Ganabhaban which is now turned into the July Museum.
BNP sources said after taking oath as the prime minister, Tarique Rahman along with his family will reside at his Gulshan residence for the time being. A decision will be made about his official residence as the prime minister later. 

Asaduzzaman, Director of the Government Accommodation Directorate, confirmed that bungalows and apartments are being readied for incoming ministers and state ministers. While some units are already vacant, others are expected to be cleared shortly, with renovations to follow.

As part of this transition, the Directorate issued letters on Sunday to four retired justices, requesting they vacate their government-allocated bungalows within one week. A fifth retired justice has been asked to leave by next month.

Furthermore, a formal notice has been sent to Shahjahan Mahmood, former chairman of the BTRC, to vacate the bungalow located at 39 Minto Road.

In total, 24 bungalows are set to be cleared. Meanwhile, five apartments are currently vacant in Ministers' Apartment-3 on Bailey Road, with officials noting that another seven apartments will be vacated within the next few days.

Earlier, the officials from the Government Accommodation Directorate visited various bungalows and apartments located in the Ministers' quarter. They inspected the current condition of these residences to determine where renovations are required

The bungalow at 29 Minto Road is currently being renovated for the Leader of the Opposition also. The Leader of the Opposition may move into the residence once they choose to do so.