Dhaka: Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bangladesh, made a courtesy call on Jatiya Sangsad Speaker, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, at his office today. The meeting was attended by UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Sonali Dayaratne, Assistant Resident Representative Anwarul Haque, Assistant Programme Advisor (Governance) Dragan Popovic, and Senior Governance Specialist Tanvir Mahmud.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the discussions centered around key areas such as e-governance, e-parliament, the activities of parliamentary standing committees, sessions of the Jatiya Sangsad, and its rules of procedure. The Speaker emphasized the importance of identifying areas of cooperation between UNDP and the Jatiya Sangsad, suggesting that UNDP could support newly elected Members of Parliament through orientation programs that cover their roles, responsibilities, and jurisdictions.
Hafiz Uddin Ahmad proposed bilateral exchange visits involving MPs, particularly women parliamentarians, with UNDP. He noted the cooperative role played by the opposition in the current parliament and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to necessary constitutional amendments. The Speaker also highlighted the need for modernization, stressing the importance of introducing a digitized library system in parliament, incorporating smart technologies in daily proceedings, and establishing an in-house printing and press facility.
Stefan Liller acknowledged the vibrancy of the current parliament and reaffirmed UNDP’s longstanding partnership with Bangladesh and its parliament. He assured that UNDP’s cooperation would continue in the future. They also exchanged views on the ongoing energy situation and democratic processes, appreciating the neutral stance of European countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and France in the prevailing global context.
The meeting was also attended by UNDP Parliamentary Affairs Focal Person Mahmudul Hasan and senior officials of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat.