Outgoing ministers yesterday expressed hopes that the new cabinet members would play a key role in accelerating the pace of development.

After holding the office for 10 years, outgoing finance minister AMA Muhith said, “I think the change that has been brought is good….It is fine.”

Muhith, who turns 85 this month, smiled as he told reporters that he was glad that he didn't have to leave the post “in disgrace”.

“It is a matter of happiness that no one had to show me the door, I myself took farewell.”

At the commerce ministry, outgoing minister Tofail Ahmed told a farewell ceremony that the new faces in the cabinet were qualified and tested leaders of the Awami League, reports BSS.

“I hope the newly formed cabinet will play a vibrant role in accelerating the ongoing development. Bangladesh will witness new feats of development….” he said.

He urged officials of the commerce ministry to discharge their duties with sincerity and honesty to implement the ongoing development programmes within the next five years.

Addressing a farewell ceremony at the shipping ministry, Shahjahan Khan said, “I will not retire from politics till my last breath. I'll cordially accept any responsibility that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina bestows on me.”

At another event, former health minister Mohammed Nasim hoped that the new cabinet members would gain people's confidence.

Former food minister Qamrul Islam said, “I hope the ongoing development will continue.”

Former social welfare minister Rashed Khan Menon urged officials of the ministry not to neglect the plight of people with disabilities.

Former education minister Nurul Islam Nahid hoped his successor would take the ministry to a new height.