Sabina Yeasmin is a prominent political figure in West Bengal, currently serving as a Minister of State (MoS) and a three-term Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Mothabari constituency in the Malda district. Her political career, spanning over a decade, has seen her hold key positions at both the local and state levels, demonstrating her steady ascent in West Bengal politics.
Since May 10, 2021, Yeasmin has held two significant portfolios as MoS: Irrigation & Waterways and North Bengal Development. Her responsibilities in these roles have been particularly focused on addressing the persistent issues of flooding and river erosion that plague North Bengal. She has been actively involved in flood preparedness, chairing meetings ahead of natural calamities, such as Cyclone Yaas, to ensure swift and effective responses. Her work includes directing measures such as the creation of “rain-cuts” on riverbanks to prevent flooding. She has also undertaken numerous field visits to erosion-prone areas in Malda, such as Birnagar and Baishnabnagar, and other sites across North Bengal. A key part of her ministerial work has been advocating for timely anti-erosion projects, publicly urging central agencies, such as the Farakka Barrage Project Authority, and Members of Parliament to secure the necessary funds for flood control and riverbank protection. Official records also reference her association with Self-Help Groups & Self-Employment, although her primary ministerial roles since 2021 are clearly defined as Irrigation & Waterways and North Bengal Development. Notably, available lists do not show her holding the Consumer Affairs portfolio during this period.
Yeasmin’s political journey began at the local level. A native of Karari Chandpur in Malda, she first gained public office by being elected to the Malda Zilla Parishad from Kaliachak-I in 2008. Her leadership capabilities were soon recognised, leading to her appointment as the Sabhadhipati (President) of the Zilla Parishad before her first state assembly election victory. She was first elected as an MLA from Mothabari in 2011 and was immediately inducted as a MoS in the inaugural Mamata Banerjee ministry. This initial stint in the state cabinet was brief, as she resigned in 2012 following the Congress party’s withdrawal of support for the Trinamool Congress-led government. She was re-elected as an MLA in 2016 and later joined the Trinamool Congress in July 2018. She secured her third consecutive term as MLA from Mothabari in 2021, which led to her current ministerial roles.