UNDP Meets Jatiya Sangsad Speaker
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.
During the meeting, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Sonali Dayaratne, Assistant Resident Representative Anwarul Haque, Assistant Programme Advisor (Governance) Dragan Popovic and Senior Governance Specialist Tanvir Mahmud were also present.
The discussions focused on e-governance, e-parliament, activities of parliamentary standing committees, sessions of the Jatiya Sangsad and its rules of procedure, said a press release.
The Speaker emphasized the need to identify areas of cooperation between UNDP and the Jatiya Sangsad.
He suggested that UNDP could assist newly elected Members of Parliament through orientation programmes covering their roles, responsibilities and jurisdictions. He also proposed bilateral exchange visits involving MPs, particularly women parliamentarians, with UNDP.
Hafiz noted that the opposition in the current parliament is playing a highly cooperative role and that the government remains committed and moderate regarding necessary constitutional amendments.
Highlighting modernization needs, the Speaker stressed 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 said the current parliament is vibrant and reaffirmed that UNDP has long been a trusted partner of 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 United Kingdom, Germany and France in the prevailing global context.
UNDP Parliamentary Affairs Focal Person Mahmudul Hasan and senior officials of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat were also present at the meeting.
