Dhaka:Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikrom, emphasized the significant role of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in advancing parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh through its development projects and cooperation with the national parliament.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the remarks were made during a courtesy call by UNDP Resident Representative in Dhaka, Stephen Rodriques, at the Speaker's office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. The Speaker highlighted that UNDP has been an important development partner in Bangladesh, contributing to parliamentary democracy by implementing various projects in collaboration with Jatiya Sangsad.
Hafiz Uddin mentioned that the previous government's rule involved issues such as enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and money laundering which deprived people of their fundamental rights. He added that democracy had been restored through the national parliamentary election in February and referred to a UN human rights investigation report that revealed the grim realities of the past governance.
The Speaker also sought UNDP's assistance in the repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar, as Bangladesh faces challenges due to the prolonged presence of approximately 1.5 million displaced individuals, which has pressured the national economy and local communities.
Stephen Rodriques noted that UNDP's relationship with Bangladesh continues to develop, with efforts to promote cooperation at global and regional levels. He assured that UNDP is ready to support orientation programs and training for newly elected members of parliament, and is particularly interested in supporting gender equality and the introduction of an e-parliament system.
The meeting also included discussions on global and regional human rights issues, programs for women parliamentarians, and energy-related matters. The Speaker praised the contributions of women lawmakers and opposition members in the current parliament, highlighting their active participation and commendable roles in parliamentary activities.
Additionally, Hafiz Uddin informed that Barrister Jahrat Adib Chowdhury, chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was elected to the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) for a four-year term. The meeting was attended by Parliament Secretariat Secretary Barrister Md Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan and officials from UNDP and the Parliament Secretariat.