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The government had initially considered five to six names but is now narrowing the list to around three individuals for final selection, sources said.

Among those under consideration is Ziauddin Hyder, an adviser to the BNP chairperson and a former senior official at the World Bank. Ziauddin also served as a member of the BNP’s central election steering committee. A senior health specialist, Ziauddin has also worked with a number of international organisations. He is likely to be appointed with the status of a full minister, sources said.

Another name under discussion is Saimum Parvez, who serves as a special assistant to the BNP chairperson’s Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee and is also a member of the party’s central election steering committee.

Sources said his profile is being considered useful in a government that is trying to strengthen both policy communication and coordination.

Party sources said there is also discussion about Tanvir Ghani, the president of The Osiris Group, an Asian investment firm, being appointed as an adviser with the rank of state minister. His inclusion, if finalised, would add a business and investment background to the team being considered.

Seeking anonymity, a PMO official said, “Ziauddin Hyder’s and Saimum Parvez’s files are ready. Once signed, the appointments will be announced.”

PMO officials did not confirm the final list of names. They said discussions are still ongoing and any decision will require approval from the highest level of government. The final decision on the new advisers is expected soon, with formal announcements likely to be made once approvals are completed.

Sources said that PMO officials are now scrutinising the candidates, seeking feedback on their qualifications and past work, while also assessing their political loyalty before making final decisions. The timing may depend on the completion of paperwork and final clearance from the top level.

The government has already appointed 10 advisers since taking office, including five with the rank of minister and five with the rank of state minister. These advisers are working with different ministries to support policy work and daily operations.

The planned expansion comes as the government faces pressure on multiple fronts, working to deliver election promises and rebuild weakened institutions, while also dealing with an ongoing energy crisis that has added strain on its overall operations.

Officials said the pressure is both political and administrative, as ministries are being asked to move faster on decisions and visible delivery.

Ministries are also dealing with routine governance work, development projects, and public service delivery. Managing these tasks with limited manpower has slowed the pace of work in some areas.

In some cases, sources said, senior officials are spending large amounts of time on immediate operational matters, leaving less room for planning and follow-up.

Seeking anonymity, a state minister said, “The prime minister wants, alongside ministers and state ministers, an expert team to support them. Some in the cabinet lack experience, and there is also a need for more expatriate expertise. In that context, adding advisers will help improve outcomes.”

Cabinet sources said several key ministries have recently reported weaknesses in administrative capacity and delays in work processes, affecting timely decision-making and implementation of policies.

“The government is trying to move fast, but the system is under strain. Adding more experienced hands is one way to deal with that,” a state minister told this newspaper.

Officials said the new advisers will focus on policy planning, inter-ministry coordination, and faster review of pending decisions, working closely with ministers and senior officials to prepare reports and ensure timely implementation.

In some cases, advisers may also play a role in handling international communication and managing relations with development partners, said cabinet sources.