Following a landslide victory in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is set to form the new government. Preparations are underway to allocate 36 residences for ministers and state ministers—24 bungalows and 12 apartments.

These residences are located in Dhaka’s Bailey Road, Minto Road, and Hare Road areas, commonly known as the “Ministers’ Zone.”

Some of the houses and apartments have already been vacated. Others are currently occupied by advisers to the interim government, retired judges, and senior government officials.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is scheduled to take oath tomorrow, Tuesday, as the country’s new Prime Minister. Members of his cabinet will be sworn in alongside him.

Party insiders indicate that the new cabinet may consist of 35 to 37 members. Of them, 26 to 27 are expected to serve as full ministers, while 9 to 10 may be appointed as state ministers. One or two additional members could be added at the final stage.

Officials from the Government Housing Directorate under the Ministry of Housing and Public Works say letters have been sent to several বর্তমান occupants, requesting them to vacate the ministerial residences to make room for the incoming cabinet members. Some have already moved out, while others have informed authorities that they will leave within the next few days.

Director Md. Asaduzzaman of the Government Housing Directorate said preparations are ongoing to make the bungalows and apartments ready. A number of units are currently vacant, and the remaining ones are expected to be vacated soon. Renovation work may take some time before the new ministers and state ministers can move in.

On Sunday, four retired judges were formally asked to vacate their government bungalows within a week. Another retired judge has been given until next month to leave.

Former chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), Shahjahan Mahmood, has also received a notice to vacate his residence at 39 Minto Road.

Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, who resigned as an adviser to the Local Government Ministry last December, and Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, have already vacated their official residences.

Housing officials said that the remaining advisers currently staying in the bungalows are expected to move out soon, bringing the total number of vacant bungalows to 24.

Meanwhile, five apartments at Ministers’ Apartment-3 on Bailey Road are currently empty. Officials added that another seven apartments are likely to be vacated within a few days.

Officials recently inspected the ministerial residences to assess their current condition and determine what renovation work is required.

The bungalow at 29 Minto Road is reportedly being refurbished for the Leader of the Opposition, who may move in if desired.

Sources within the Housing Directorate noted that in previous administrations, not all cabinet members chose to reside in official government housing. Some preferred to stay in their private homes and commute to office. Therefore, authorities believe the currently prepared bungalows and apartments will be sufficient to accommodate the new ministers and state ministers.

According to officials, it may take one to two months to fully renovate and prepare all the residences before the incoming cabinet members can move in.