The government has made changes in the allocation of responsibilities among eight state ministers, reducing their previously multiple portfolios to a single ministry or department.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued the directive to ensure more focused administration, said a notification by the Cabinet Division today.

Sultan Salahuddin Tuku has been assigned solely to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. He previously held the portfolios of agriculture, fisheries and livestock and food.

Shariful Alam has been given the charge of only the Ministry of Textiles and Jute. Previously, he was in charge of the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Industries and Ministry of Textiles and Jute.

Habibur Rashid has been assigned to the Ministry of Railways and the Road Transport and Highways Division. Previously, he held portfolios for the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Shipping.

Rajib Ahsan, who previously managed the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, Ministry of Railways, and Ministry of Shipping, has now been limited to the Ministry of Shipping and the Bridges Division.

Zonayed Saki has been appointed as the state minister for the Ministry of Planning. He was previously also the state minister for the Ministry of Finance.

Farzana Sharmin has been given charge of the Ministry of Social Welfare. She previously also managed the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs.

Nurul Huq Nur has been assigned to the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment. He was previously also in charge of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Bobby Hajjaj has been appointed as the state minister for the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education. He previously also held responsibility for the Secondary and Higher Education Division.