Speaker highlights Bangladesh-Germany ties, parliamentary cooperation.
Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikrom, today highlighted the longstanding friendly relations between Bangladesh and Germany, saying Germany has extended support to Bangladesh since the country's independence.
He made the remarks when a German parliamentary delegation, led by Bundestag member Nicklas Kappe, and head of delegation, paid a courtesy call on him at his office here.
The delegation included Bundestag members Gerold Otten, Johann Saadhoff and Ulle Schauws, and German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Rüdiger Lotz.
During the meeting, the Speaker said Germany is the second-largest destination for Bangladesh's export products in the European market.
He also briefed the delegation on Bangladesh's democratic journey, saying the country held elections since 1937 but remained behind in terms of democratic practice.
He said Bangladesh achieved victory in the 1971 Liberation War through its struggle to establish democratic rights, but the country could not attain the desired level of democracy for a long period.
The Speaker alleged that the Awami League government undermined people's voting rights through three consecutive "farcical elections", which, he said, severely affected democracy in Bangladesh.
He said a mass uprising led by students and people took place against enforced disappearances, killings, extrajudicial killings and "farcical elections" during the authoritarian period.
Against this backdrop, he said, democracy was restored through an acceptable and neutral election.
The Speaker also highlighted the contribution of Begum Khaleda Zia, describing her as Bangladesh's first elected woman prime minister, and said her role in the political and economic empowerment of women remains noteworthy.
Hafiz said the people of Bangladesh, who value democracy, have repeatedly made sacrifices for democratic rights, and their strong determination and struggle made it possible to restore democracy.
Briefing the delegation about women's representation in the current parliament, Hafiz Uddin said six women lawmakers were elected by popular vote, while 50 women lawmakers were elected from reserved seats. He said all of them are highly educated and established in their respective fields.
The German delegation and the Speaker also exchanged views on expanding parliamentary diplomacy through the formation of a Bangladesh-Germany Parliamentary Friendship Group.
They also discussed the ongoing Rohingya crisis in Bangladesh.
The Speaker said the government is working to improve freedom of expression and the human rights situation in Bangladesh in line with international standards.
Representatives of the German Embassy and officials concerned of the Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat were present at the meeting.
