CR Abrar sworn in as interim govt advisor

Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, widely known as CR Abrar, has been sworn in as an advisor to the interim government. A retired professor from Dhaka University's Department of International Relations, he will serve as the education advisor.

President Md Shahabuddin administered the oath to him at the Bangabhaban on Wednesday morning.

The ceremony was attended by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, his special assistant, other members of the interim cabinet and invited guests.

The event began with a minute of silence in honour of martyrs, followed by a recitation from the Quran. President Shahabuddin first administered the oath of office to CR Abrar, followed by the oath of secrecy.

With his appointment, the number of advisors in Yunus's advisory council has now reached 22. Currently, Wahiduddin Mahmud oversees both the ministries of education and planning. Once Abrar officially takes over the education portfolio, the chief advisor will reassign responsibilities.

Beyond academia, Abrar is the executive director of the Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit, a private research group specialising in migration issues. His work focuses on Rohingya refugees, migrant workers and the citizenship rights of Bangladesh’s Urdu-speaking community.

He has also served as the president of the human rights organisation Odhikar. He was a member of the search committee formed late last year to establish a new Election Commission after the changeover in power.

Yunus took over as chief advisor on Aug 8 after a mass uprising toppled the Awami League government, marking the start of the interim government.

A total of 16 advisors joined Yunus in the first phase before four others took office.

On Nov 10, another three took oaths to take the number of advisors to 24. Among them, AF Hassan Ariff died on Dec 20, while Nahid Islam resigned from his post on Feb 26 to join the new National Citizen party.

Currently, three others -- a special assistant, a special envoy and a high representative to the chief advisor – also hold the rank of advisor. In addition, three special assistants are serving at the rank of state minister.