Dhaka: A Bangladeshi parliamentary delegation, led by Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal, convened with Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Secretary General Stephen Twigg in Cape Town, South Africa. The discussions centered on bolstering parliamentary democracy and enhancing the capabilities of lawmakers.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the meeting occurred alongside the ongoing 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference. The dialogue focused on mutual interests such as strengthening Bangladesh's parliamentary democracy, enhancing lawmakers' skills, women's political empowerment, the Rohingya crisis, and expanding cooperation between Bangladesh and the CPA.
Stephen Twigg committed to providing necessary support to strengthen Bangladesh's parliamentary institutions and enhance lawmakers' capacities. He announced plans for an international four-day training seminar for Bangladeshi lawmakers in November, which he will personally attend.
The CPA secretary general commended the inclusion of opposition and women lawmakers in the Bangladesh delegation, highlighting it as a commendable example of inclusive parliamentary practice. He emphasized CPA's initiatives for women's political empowerment and urged Bangladeshi women lawmakers to engage actively in Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) initiatives.
Twigg encouraged Bangladeshi lawmakers to participate in CPA Parliamentary Academy's online training programmes, which aim to enhance knowledge and skills in parliamentary proceedings, legislation, accountability, and democratic governance.
Expressing concern over the prolonged Rohingya crisis, Twigg lauded Bangladesh's humanitarian efforts in hosting and assisting displaced Rohingyas. He also congratulated Bangladesh on its presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, acknowledging the country's growing international stature.
Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal sought continued CPA cooperation in advancing parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh. Both parties expressed optimism that ongoing collaborations with the CPA and its UK chapter would effectively contribute to Bangladesh's democratic and parliamentary progress.
The meeting included delegates Humam Quader Chowdhury, Shakila Farzana, Md Mahbubul Alam, and Secretary of the Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat Barrister Md Golam Sorwar Bhuiyan.