Dhaka: An orientation programme titled 'Constitution, Rules of Procedure and Parliamentary Affairs' for Members of Parliament (MPs) was held today at the oath room of the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat. The programme was presided over by Speaker of the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, MP, while Secretary of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat Barrister Md Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan delivered the welcome address.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event was attended by notable figures including Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal, MP, Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam Moni, MP, Leader of the Opposition Dr Md Shafiqur Rahman, MP, UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller, and Swiss Ambassador Reto Renggli, who addressed the programme as special guests.
Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad emphasized the importance of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad's role in fulfilling the public's expectations during the country's renewed democratic journey. He highlighted that MPs are responsible for representing the people to ensure an accountable governance system and to uphold public trust.
The Speaker underscored that the Rules of Procedure are vital tools for executing parliamentary duties, including introducing motions and reviewing bills. He pointed out that Parliament has three major responsibilities: enacting laws, approving the national budget, and ensuring the accountability of the executive branch through oversight by MPs.
He further elaborated that Parliament is established not only through political consensus but also through the effective participation of both ruling and opposition parties under the Rules of Procedure, ensuring public engagement and a proper legislative process.
Additionally, the Speaker mentioned the Strengthening Institutions, Policies and Services (SIPS) programme, supported by UNDP and Switzerland, which aids in reinforcing parliamentary institutions by promoting effective participation and accountability among MPs to meet public expectations.
Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal highlighted the MPs' responsibility to represent the people, stating that the Rules of Procedure define their rights and responsibilities and ensure their accountability to citizens.
Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam Moni stressed the necessity for MPs to understand the problems faced by their constituents and to work towards resolving them, thereby contributing to development. He emphasized that MPs play a crucial role in parliamentary activities and ensuring government accountability.
Leader of the Opposition Dr Md Shafiqur Rahman remarked on the Parliament's operation with taxpayers' money, asserting that it should ensure good governance, economic reforms, and sustainable democracy.
The two-day orientation course's first group included MPs elected from specific parliamentary constituencies, as well as women MPs elected to reserved seats, covering a range from Panchagarh-1 to Mymensingh-5.