Arusha:Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad has officially assumed the role of chairman of the Asia-Pacific Group (APG) of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). He succeeded Bhutanese Speaker Tempa Dorji in a ceremony held in Arusha, Tanzania.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the Asia-Pacific Group consists of 37 member countries. Hafiz Uddin's new position is expected to enhance Bangladesh's presence in the international parliamentary community. Barrister Md Golam Sorwar Bhuiyan, Secretary of the Parliament Secretariat, confirmed this development while accompanying the Bangladeshi delegation to Tanzania.
The Inter-Parliamentary Union, founded in 1889, is a global organization comprising 183 Member Parliaments and 15 Associate Members. The Bangladesh parliamentary delegation, led by Speaker Hafiz Uddin, traveled to Tanzania to participate in the 153rd IPU Assembly from October 5 to 9.
In another development, Barrister Jahrat Adib Chowdhury, chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was elected a member of the IPU Executive Committee from the Asia-Pacific Group. She secured the position by defeating the Mongolian candidate in an election involving representatives from all 37 member countries. This election result is viewed as a notable achievement for Bangladesh in international parliamentary circles.
The Bangladesh delegation includes seven additional BNP lawmakers and two from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. The BNP lawmakers are Whip Miah Nuruddin Ahmad Apu, Sarwar Jamal Nizam, AE Sultan Mahmud Babu, Md Shamshur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Sk Azizul Baree, Humam Quader Chowdhury, and Sunsila Jabrin, while the Jamaat MPs are Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem and Rokeya Begum.
This year's IPU Assembly is centered on the theme of enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust, and opportunities for all. It is anticipated to conclude with the adoption of an outcome document reflecting the overall theme of the General Debate. The delegation plans to return home on October 11.