Faridul takes oath as state minister for religious affairs

Awami League MP Faridul Haque Khan took oath as the state minister for religious affairs last evening.

President Abdul Hamid administered his oath taking ceremony at Bangabhaban, the President's residence cum office, around 7:00pm.

Khandker Anwarul Islam conducted the oath taking ceremony in presence of only three ministers and few other officials concerned for Covid-19 situation.

The three-time lawmaker from Jamalpur-2 succeeded Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah who died after having a cardiac arrest on June 14 at the age of 75.

According to the rules, the Prime Minister's Office conducted the activities of the religious affairs ministry after the demise of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah.

The post remained vacant for around five months.

According to the parliament's website, Faridul Haque Khan is a jute businessman by profession having qualification up to higher secondary certificate.

Born in January 2, 1956, Faridul Haque Khan is hailed from Islampur village in Islampur upazila of Jamalpur. He was also a chairman of Islampur upazila.

Faridul Haque Khan was elected as MP in 2009, 2014 and 2018 parliamentary elections.

With the inclusion of Faridul Haque Khan, the number of members in Sheikh Hasina's cabinet rose to 46.

Of them, 24 are full ministers, 19 are state ministers and three are deputy ministers.