With victory secured, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is racing to unveil its new government - and speculation over the cabinet lineup is in overdrive.
Party insiders say a lean cabinet blending youth and experience is on the cards, with an emphasis on transparency, accountability and political balance. Representation from like-minded allies, women and minority groups is also under active consideration.
The swearing-in is set for February 17. An interim government source told the Daily Observer that Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin will administer the oath at 10am. Later in the afternoon, the Prime Minister and cabinet members will be sworn in at the South Plaza of Parliament by President Mohammad Shahabuddin.
Key constitutional posts - President, Speaker and Deputy Speaker - remain under discussion. Party sources say the final decision rests with Tarique.
Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf is tipped as a possible President, with an election to follow in due course. For Speaker, six-time MP Zainul Abdin Farroque is reportedly in strong contention.
Tarique Rahman is expected to retain the Defence Ministry under his direct control.
Among potential heavyweight appointments: Mirza Fakhrul for Local Government and Rural Development, Asadul Habib Dulu for Water Resources, Dr. AZM Zahid for Health, and Ruhul Kabir Rizvi for Social Welfare - a nod to party tradition, where the secretary general often takes that portfolio.
Salauddin Ahmed is being floated for Home Minister, with Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anie as possible State Minister. Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Dr. Humayun Kabir are both in the frame for Foreign Affairs.
Mirza Abbas may get Land Housing and Public Works. Nazrul Islam Khan is expected to get Labour and Employment. Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku is being discussed for Power and Energy.
Education could go to ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon, with Sayeed Al Noman as State Minister. Md Asaduzzaman is in discussion for Law. Dr. Abdul Moin Khan may take Planning, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir Commerce, and Abdul Awal Mintu Industries.
The technocrat quota may widen the circle. Alliance figures such as Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur, Ganosamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki, Bangladesh Jatiya Party Chairman Andalib Rahman Partho and Jatiya Party faction Chairman Mustafa Jamal Haider are reportedly under consideration.
Possible portfolios for allies range from Liberation War Affairs and Road Transport to Cultural Affairs, Health, Youth and Sports, Religious Affairs, Aviation and Tourism, Agriculture, Posts and Telecommunications, Railways, Public Administration, Social Welfare and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs.
Nothing is official - yet.
But with oath day looming, Dhaka's political corridors are humming. The final list will reveal not just names, but the power map of the new government.
