Sheikh Hasina was on Sunday sworn in as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister for the third time along with her 48-member Cabinet after the controversial polls that were marred by deadly clashes, a low turnout and a boycott by Opposition parties.
President Abdul Hamid administered the oath — first to Hasina — at the Bangabhavan presidential palace here in a ceremony attended by Government and top military officials, foreign envoys, politicians and civil society leaders. “I am, Sheikh Hasina, taking oath...That I will discharge my duties faithfully as the Prime Minister of the Government as per the law,” Hasina said.
66-year-old Hasina’s cabinet was also sworn into office during the nationally-televised ceremony. The new cabinet comprises 48 members. Hasina has 29 full Ministers, 17 State Ministers, and 2 deputy Ministers, few from Ershad-led Jatiya Party which plans to sit in the Opposition but also have a presence in the Cabinet.
This is the third time she takes over as the premier in the last two decades since Bangladesh returned to democracy from military rule. She is seeking to reward all parties who joined the January 5 polls, braving a boycott by the BNP-led Opposition alliance.