Speaker says democracy vital for advancing marginalised communities’ rights and welfare
Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram, MP, today said true democracy could ensure the socio-economic advancement of disadvantaged and marginalised communities.
“An all-party parliamentary caucus can play an important role in protecting the rights of vulnerable population and improving their living standards,” he said while addressing the public launch of the ‘All-Party Parliamentary Caucus for Disadvantaged Communities’ as the chief guest.
Organised by the Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh, at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC) here, the event brought together lawmakers and representatives of various stakeholders, said a press release.
The Speaker said democracy could be strengthened by ensuring the election of genuine representatives of the people. He described the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election as the most acceptable and fairest in the country's history.
Referring to the political developments preceding the election, he alleged that the previous Awami League government had undermined people's democratic rights through three consecutive farcical elections.
He said people took to the streets during the July Mass Uprising in 2024, bringing an end to authoritarian rule through their determined resistance.
The Speaker said the present parliament was working to reflect the democratic aspirations of the people, achieved through their sacrifices and struggles.
He also stressed the need for firm political commitment to eliminate corruption, saying such efforts would help ensure development at all levels of the society.
Highlighting the role of women lawmakers, he said female members of the current parliament were making important contributions to parliamentary proceedings and had become more experienced and skilled.
An independent Election Commission (EC) could ensure the election of genuine representatives, through whom the country's development could be advanced, he added.
Barrister A M Mahbub Uddin Khokon, MP, chaired the event, while Jatiya Sangsad Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, MP, spoke as the special guest. Lawmaker Md Saiful Islam attended it as an honoured guest.
During the discussion and question-answer session, participants highlighted several priority issues, including access to education and healthcare for ethnic communities living in the hills and plains, national identity cards for urban floating populations, protection of the rights of Urdu-speaking communities, permanent housing for Dalits and social recognition of sanitation workers.
They also stressed the need to strengthen social protection for migrant women workers and safeguard the rights of the garment workers.
Participants further proposed special legislation to protect the rights and welfare of the Bede community, coastal fishing communities, distressed people, orphans and older persons.
A documentary titled ‘Leave No One Behind’ was screened at the event, portraying the hardships and experiences of disadvantaged people from different sections of the society.
Earlier, Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, convener of the Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh, and distinguished fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), presented the background, objectives and scope of the caucus.
Members of the caucus, parliamentary whips, stakeholders, invited guests and NGO representatives attended the event.
