LOOKEAST

SUBHRA GUPTA |

THE decisive victory by the Tarique Rahman–led Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the 2026 national elections in Bangladesh saw seasoned politician Nitai Roy Chowdhury taking oath as a cabinet minister in the newly formed government.

Chowdhury’s appointment underscores a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s political journey, marked by the return of the BNP to power after years in opposition and uncertainty. As part of Rahman’s government, he joins a mix of seasoned politicians and new leaders tasked with reforming governance and representing diverse communities across the country.

■ Nitai Roy Chowdhury in a television talk show

It is a matter of great significance that Chowdhury stands out as the only Hindu leader in Rahman’s cabinet and that he has been given the charge of ministry of culture reflecting his long political innings and a major shift in BNP’s policy so far as international relations are concerned. This is not to undermine his growing role in national affairs though.

Chowdhury stands out as the only Hindu leader in Rahman’s cabinet and that he has been given the charge of ministry of culture reflecting his long political innings and a major shift in BNP’s policy so far as international relations are concerned

First, this is going to be a crucial role where he can influence national cultural policy and minority engagement. Chowdhury’s position in the cabinet is expected to be closely watched both domestically and internationally, as it may signal the government’s approach to inclusivity and minority rights in Bangladesh’s evolving political environment.

Chowdhury is a symbolic figure for minority representation in the government of Bangladesh as it positions the BNP as more inclusive while promising institutional reform and stronger ties with India.

Also, it projects a sharp contrast to the nearly two years of anti–India tirade that Md Yunus–led interim administration had become a synonym of; under the tutelage of Yunus, ransacking and mass vandalisation of minority property snatched the attention of international rights groups.

Choudhury’s appointment as the minister of cultural affairs has taken the wind overnight out of the sails of those who were baying for India’s blood so to say and had even gone to the extent of extricating a big slice of Indian territory through armed aggression.

It projects a sharp contrast to the nearly two years of anti–India tirade that Md Yunus–led interim administration had become a synonym of; under the tutelage of Yunus, ransacking and mass vandalisation of minority property snatched the attention of international rights groups

Choudhury’s massive victory from the Magura–2 constituency clocking over 1.4 lakh votes against his Jamaat–e–Islami candidate speaks volumes of the average Bangladeshi’s dislike for this unabashed anti–India tirade. His popularity helped him eclipse the rise of Jamaat in more than one way.

Choudhury’s appointment also signifies that the new administration aims to repair institutions, uphold unity in diversity and strengthen Bangladesh’s cultural ties with India and other countries.

For many Bangladeshis, his presence in the cabinet serves as a reminder that the political process reaches across communities, even as national debates over identity and representation continue to shape the country’s democratic trajectory.

His activities in the cabinet are likely to be closely watched both domestically and internationally, as it may signal the government’s approach to inclusivity and minority rights in Bangladesh’s evolving political environment.

This apart, Chowdhury’s elevation to the ministry of culture with independent charge, he being the sole prominent Hindu leader in the cabinet, carries symbolic weight in Bangladesh’s political context.

Minority representation in national governments has been a sensitive issue historically and his appointment is seen by many observers as a sign that the new BNP administration intends to broaden its leadership base and send out a strong signal precisely to India

Why ? Minority representation in national governments has been a sensitive issue historically and his appointment is seen by many observers as a sign that the new BNP administration intends to broaden its leadership base and send out a strong signal precisely to India that in coming days, the sour element (developed during the Yunus term) is categorically wiped out.

Alongside Chowdhury, other minority figures such as Dipen Dewan, a Buddhist leader from CHT, also took the oath, indicating an effort by the new government to reflect the country’s respect to diverse social fabric.

What is also important is the fact that during his brief but significant media interactions post swearing–in, Choudhury has made it abundantly clear that fundamentalism is passe and won’t be allowed to spread.

“If you undertake a case study, you will see that Sheikh Hasina’s party Awami League is involved in all the communal violence that has happened in the country. Awami League is the biggest enemy of Hindus,” he told the media in Dhaka.

Chowdhury, who graduated from the University of Dhaka where he studied law before establishing a distinguished legal career, has been in politics for quite a long time. His background as a lawyer has influenced his work within the BNP and his legislative priorities as an MP.

His long tenure in politics and commitment to his party’s ideals have made him a respected figure among supporters, especially in the southern region of Bangladesh, where Magura lies.

Before his present avatar, Chowdhury held leadership positions within the BNP, including serving as its Vice Chairman, a top role in the party’s central committee that helps shape strategy and policy.

In the early 1990s, he served briefly as the Minister of Youth and Sports under the Hussain Muhammad Ershad government that had earlier provided him with governance experience. ■