DHAKA, Jan 14, 2024 (BSS) - Bangladesh Secretariat today saw an extra pressure of people as today was the first working day of the week after the formation of the new cabinet on Thursday. 
Ministers and state ministers came to their respective ministries at the Secretariat after taking their new charges. 
 
They received bouquets from officials and employees of the ministries concerned and offices as well as different organizations, institutions, journalists and well-wishers.
 
Ministers and state ministers passed a busy day receiving bouquets at their respective offices. 
On the first day, almost every minister and state minister exchanged views with journalists as well as relevant officials and employees.
 
They announced their pledges and visions as well as challenges to be faced in the days to come. 
 
The Awami League formed the government for the fourth consecutive term as a new 37-member council of ministers was sworn in on Thursday evening at Bangabhaban.
 
On the same day, the Cabinet Department issued a gazette notification allocating the portfolios of ministers and state ministers.
Many new faces have come to the council of ministers this time along with keeping some of the previous ministers. But some ministers got new charges.
 
The 12th parliamentary polls were held in 299 constituencies out of 300 on January 7 as polls to Naogaon-2 were postponed due to the death of an independent candidate in the constituency. Results of Mymensingh-3 were not announced initially as the voting in the center was postponed on charge of irregularities.
 
Of 298 seats, Awami League won 222 seats, Jatiya Party 11, independent candidates 62 and others three. Later, AL candidate Nilufar Anjum Poppy won the seat after re-polling held in the postponed center on Saturday. Now the number of seats of AL stood at 223.