Abu Sinha Monjur Morshed, Dhaka, Jan 10, 2008: The military backed caretaker government of Bangladesh re-allocated portfolios of advisers today after appointing 5 new advisers and 3 new special assistants to the Chief Adviser. This reshuffle comes after 5 caretaker advisers were forced to resign over last one week's time.

On Thursday three special assistants for the Chief Adviser were appointed. These new appointees will enjoy the status of State Ministers, while advisers enjoy Full Minister status. The new special assistants are: former Bangladesh Power Development Board chairman MA Malek Mollah, Chakma Raja Debashish Roy and energy expert M Tamim as special aides to the CA.

BUET teacher Prof Tamim confirmed the appointments to journalists.

Up to seven people will be appointed to the post, the chief adviser's press secretary Syed Fahim Munaim had said earlier.

Former BIDS senior research fellow Hossain Zillur Rahman, retired major general Ghulam Quader, former secretary AMM Shawkat Ali, former attorney general AF Hassan Ariff and former ADAB director Rasheda K Choudhury were sworn into office as full advisers Wednesday.

Among the advisers, AMM Shawkat Ali was given the health and family welfare and food and disaster management portfolios. Rasheda was tasked with the portfolios of primary and mass education and women and children affairs, while Hassan Ariff will oversee law, justice and parliamentary affairs ministry and the religious affairs ministry. Ghulam Quader was assigned to the communications and housing and public works ministries. Education was marked for economist Hossain Zillur, who will also handle the commerce ministry.

CS Karim among the old five will be in charge of agriculture and water resources ministries.Anwarul Iqbal was tasked with the portfolios of LGRD and textiles and jute. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury will take care of foreign affairs and expatriates welfare and overseas employment ministries as he did before.MA Matin will be in charge of the three ministries such as shipping, land and liberation war affairs. AB Mirza Azizul Islam retains the finance and planning ministries.

The major shuffle came at a special meeting of the council of advisers held at the Chief Adviser's Office.

@ The Bangladesh Journal