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Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Secretary Anda Philip expressed interest in strengthening cooperation and sharing parliamentary experience with Bangladesh’s Jatiya Sangsad during a courtesy meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday.
The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
Anda Philip praised Tarique Rahman’s leadership and said his regular attendance at parliamentary sessions sends a strong message of commitment to parliamentary democracy.
Tarique said Bangladesh had restored democracy after a prolonged struggle and stressed his government’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and protecting citizens’ constitutional rights.
“We believe sustainable progress and development can be ensured through an effective and strong democratic system,” he said.
The IPU secretary said she had reviewed the BNP’s election manifesto and praised its initiatives in education and community-based programmes. She also appreciated Bangladesh’s progress in parliamentary democracy, saying continued efforts would strengthen public confidence in state institutions.
Philip expressed hope that participation by the Speaker of Bangladesh’s parliament in the IPU’s 153rd Assembly in Tanzania would further strengthen ties between the IPU and Jatiya Sangsad.
The two sides also discussed women’s empowerment and the role of young and female lawmakers. Philip described her interactions with young and women MPs as encouraging.
Tarique said women’s empowerment was a key priority of his government and outlined plans for free education up to the honours level for women and scholarships for female students. He also highlighted the Family Card programme as a means of increasing women’s financial independence and participation in household decision-making.
Foreign Affairs State Minister-1 Humayun Kabir and State Minister-2 Shama Obaed were present at the meeting.
