Dhaka: Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, on Monday stated that the democratic advancement of the country was upheld through the February general election. ‘Through the parliamentary election held in February 2026, the country’s democratic progress was upheld. During the past 16 years under the Awami League government, people’s democratic rights were undermined,’ he said.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the Speaker made these remarks during a courtesy call by Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh, Dr Abdullah Jafar H Bin Abiyah, at his office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. During the meeting, Speaker Hafiz Uddin emphasized the deep fraternal ties between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia. He noted that a large number of Bangladeshi pilgrims travel to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah annually to perform Hajj, which helps to strengthen the mutual respect and enduring friendly bilateral relations between the two nations.
The discussions also touched upon strengthening inter-parliamentary relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, including the formation of parliamentary friendship groups. Additionally, both sides exchanged views on the ongoing Middle East situation, focusing on the roles of the United States and Iran in the regional crisis.
Furthermore, the Speaker urged the Saudi envoy to take an active role through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in resolving the Rohingya crisis.