Dhaka:Dr. Charles Reed, the Foreign Policy Adviser to the Church of England, made a courtesy call on Deputy Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad, Barrister Kayser Kamal, at his office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, during the meeting, Dr. Reed and the British High Commission delegation expressed their appreciation for the Bangladeshi government's support and security measures during the recent Durga Puja celebrations. They noted that the government's efforts contributed to peaceful and festive celebrations, thereby strengthening communal harmony, mutual respect, and religious freedom in the country.
The delegation discussed with the Deputy Speaker the idea of forming a Parliamentary Caucus on Freedom of Religion or Belief in the Jatiya Sangsad. Barrister Kayser Kamal emphasized Bangladesh's tradition of communal harmony and the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom and equal rights for all citizens. He expressed support for the formation of such a caucus, which could facilitate discussions and policy formulation to enhance religious harmony and tolerance.
Both parties expressed optimism about enhancing parliamentary cooperation to promote religious freedom, human rights, and social harmony. They also hoped the meeting would strengthen the relationship between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom in parliamentary affairs, governance, and social development. Present at the meeting were British High Commission officials, including Governance Adviser Shahnaz Karim and Social Development Adviser Tahera Jabin, among others.