Dhaka:A delegation from the British Parliament's All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) met with Bangladesh's Deputy Speaker, Barrister Kayser Kamal, to discuss enhancing parliamentary cooperation between the UK and Bangladesh.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the delegation was led by APPG Chair Apsana Begum, MP, and included Shockat Adam, MP, and Lord Qurban Hussain from the House of Lords. They congratulated Bangladesh on its 2026 parliamentary election, which they described as free and fair. Kayser Kamal echoed this sentiment, noting the election's acceptance both domestically and internationally.
The Deputy Speaker emphasized the deep and friendly relations between Bangladesh and the UK, highlighting the significant contribution of the Bangladeshi community in the UK to these ties. He also mentioned initiatives by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, such as the introduction of the Family Card and Farmers' Cards, aimed at improving living standards and enhancing the social safety net.
Kayser Kamal stressed that the Prime Minister is focused on institutional reforms to align Bangladesh's institutions with those in Britain, considering the British Parliament a model. He welcomed the British delegation's interest in establishing branches of British educational institutions in Bangladesh and suggested British staff be involved to maintain educational standards.
During the discussion, the delegation inquired about the status of minorities in Bangladesh. Kamal assured them that minorities are treated equally across all national spheres, pointing out the presence of minority lawmakers and ministers. He also noted Bangladesh's history of female leadership in Parliament.
The Deputy Speaker acknowledged past challenges in maintaining democracy over the last fifteen years but stated that the parliamentary democratic process is now active, with standing committees gaining strength and the opposition playing a vital role. He also mentioned efforts to involve students in parliamentary proceedings and ensure non-partisan recruitment in government jobs, alongside making the bureaucratic system more people-oriented.
Both parties underscored the importance of exchanging parliamentary experiences. At the meeting's conclusion, Kayser Kamal invited the delegation to visit the Parliament Complex and the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum, to which they responded positively. Senior Parliament Secretariat officials were also present at the meeting.