Bangladesh: Hindu, Buddhist Ministers Join New Government Amidst Communal Tensions

• Tarique Rahman sworn in as Bangladesh PM, forming a new government with over 40 ministers from BNP.
• Nitai Roy Chowdhury (Hindu) appointed Minister of Cultural Affairs; Dipen Dewan (Buddhist) appointed Minister of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs.
• Appointments are significant as they mark inclusion of minority representatives after 20 years of BNP rule.
• Comes amidst over 2,000 incidents of communal violence against minorities since the collapse of Sheikh Hasina's government.
• Rahman aims to project reassurance and build a "secure" Bangladesh for all communities, irrespective of religion.