‘Kitchen cabinet’ drove key decisions in interim govt, claims ex-adviser Touhid

Touhid Hossain, the foreign affairs adviser in the previous interim administration, has alleged that a seven-member “kitchen cabinet” was effectively steering key decisions of the interim government, with meetings held every Tuesday.

In an interview to Jamuna TV published today (25 May), he said he was unaware of the existence of such a structured informal decision-making group at the outset, though its influence was widely discussed within government circles. 

He also claimed that several advisers held significant sway over his ministry.

Touhid said he considered resigning on three occasions but was persuaded to stay, with authorities warning it could create “serious discomfort” for the government.

Addressing speculation over “deep state” involvement in political developments, he remarked that such actors are often present globally but typically work by shaping rather than opposing prevailing political currents.

He also distanced the foreign ministry from a recent pre-election trade agreement with the United States, saying it was handled by the commerce ministry and the national security adviser, not his office.

On politics, the former adviser suggested that the Awami League is unlikely to remain permanently out of the political arena, predicting its eventual return and possible participation in the next election.

He declined to offer a full assessment of a potential BNP-led government, but noted that managing relations with the US, China, and India would be a key challenge for its leadership.