Dhaka:Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban: The first meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad was held today at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban with committee chairman Selima Rahman, MP, presiding.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the session commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by introductions among committee members and officials from the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs and the Parliament Secretariat. A press release detailed the proceedings.
During the meeting, members were briefed via PowerPoint presentations on the ministry's vision, mission, manpower, budget, functions, achievements, election manifesto implementation, and future plans. This included information on affiliated offices such as the Department of Women Affairs, Jatiya Mohila Sangstha, Bangladesh Shishu Academy, Joyeeta Foundation, and the Department of DNA Laboratory Management.
Committee members praised the ministry's activities but recommended improvements, including better service delivery at the grassroots, regular monitoring at the district and upazila levels, empowerment of marginalized women, mental well-being, family support for pregnant mothers, appointment of child protection officers, moral education, child security, family engagement in anti-drug awareness, children's mental development, training for women entrepreneurs, filling DNA laboratory vacancies, and expanding day-care facilities for low-income working mothers.
Attendees included Minister for Women and Children Affairs Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain, MP, and other committee members such as Rasheda Begum Hira, MP, Anna Minj, MP, Madhabi Marma, MP, Fahima Nasrin, MP, Nurun Nesa Siddiqua, MP, Subikunnahar, MP, and Mst. Nusrat Tabassum Joty, MP. The meeting also saw the participation of the Secretary of the Ministry, senior officials from related departments, and Parliament Secretariat officials.