An additional three advisers have been sworn in

Today, the interim government’s Council of Advisers expanded once again with the swearing-in of three new members: Mahfuj Alam, a special assistant to Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus; Sk Bashir Uddin, a businessman; and the acclaimed filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki.

Mahfuj Alam has served as a special assistant to Chief Adviser Prof. Yunus since August 29. An alumnus of Dhaka University’s Law Department (2015-16 session), Mahfuj also coordinates the liaison committee for the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, which played a key role in unseating the Awami League-led government. At a UN General Assembly event on September 24, Prof. Yunus introduced Mahfuj as a major strategist behind the movement, though Mahfuj has stated he was simply one of many participants in the mass uprising.

Sk Bashir Uddin, the managing director of Akij Bashir Group, is the son of Sheikh Akij Uddin and leads one of the country’s prominent industrial conglomerates. Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, known for his impactful films and television dramas, is a celebrated figure in the creative community.

This expansion of the Council of Advisers follows recommendations from various groups advocating for greater dynamism in government activities. With the addition of these three, the interim government now includes 24 advisers.

The interim government, led by Prof. Yunus, initially swore in thirteen advisers on August 8, following the resignation and departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5. Two more advisers joined on August 11, another on August 13, and four more on August 16.