Courtesy Meeting Held Between Speaker and UNDP Resident Representative in Dhaka

Photo: CNI

Diplomatic Correspondent: UNDP Resident Representative in Dhaka, Stefan Liller, paid a courtesy call on Hon’ble Speaker of the Bangladesh National Parliament, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram, MP, at his office.

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.

They discussed various issues including e-governance, e-parliament, activities of parliamentary standing committees, sessions of the National Parliament, and the rules of procedure.
Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram stated that areas of cooperation between UNDP and the National Parliament need to be identified. He noted that UNDP could assist newly elected Members of Parliament through orientation courses covering their primary responsibilities, functions, and jurisdictions. He also suggested that a delegation of MPs, particularly women parliamentarians, could undertake bilateral exchange visits with UNDP.

The Speaker mentioned that the opposition in the current parliament is playing a very cooperative role. He added that the government is proactive and open to necessary constitutional amendments.
He further emphasized the importance of introducing a digitized library system in Parliament, utilizing smart technologies in daily parliamentary proceedings, and establishing an in-house printing and press facility.

UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller remarked that the current parliament is highly vibrant. He affirmed that UNDP has been a long-standing and trusted partner of Bangladesh and its National Parliament, and that this cooperation will continue in the future.
They also exchanged views on the ongoing energy crisis and democratic systems. In this context, they appreciated the neutral stance of European countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and France.
UNDP Parliamentary Affairs Focal Person Mahmudul Hasan, along with senior officials of the National Parliament Secretariat, were also present at the meeting.