Prime Minister Tarique Rahman Affirms Commitment to Parliamentary Democracy During Meeting with IPU Secretary General
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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated on Tuesday that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has been instrumental in restoring both multi-party and parliamentary democracy in the country. During a meeting with Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Secretary General Anda Philip at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Secretariat, Rahman emphasized his government’s commitment to protecting the constitutional rights of every citizen and ensuring essential public services.
The Prime Minister reflected on the party’s long struggle to re-establish democratic governance, noting that many BNP members faced enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and a combined total of four million politically motivated legal cases. He credited the February 12 election as a pivotal step in securing a democratic path for the nation. Rahman maintained that sustainable progress and development are only possible through an effective and robust democratic system.
Anda Philip lauded the leadership of the Prime Minister, particularly noting his consistent participation in national parliamentary sessions as a signal of his firm dedication to democratic practices. The IPU Secretary General expressed interest in strengthening cooperation and knowledge sharing between the IPU and the Bangladesh National Parliament. Philip also extended an invitation to the Speaker of the Bangladesh National Parliament to attend the upcoming 153rd IPU Assembly in Tanzania, suggesting it would further solidify bilateral ties.
During the discussions, the IPU chief commended the BNP’s election manifesto, highlighting initiatives in the education sector and various community-based programs. Philip stressed that continued progress in parliamentary democracy would bolster public trust in state institutions. The importance of civic awareness in sustaining democracy and the necessity of women’s empowerment were also central themes of the dialogue.
Highlighting his government’s policy priorities, Prime Minister Rahman outlined plans to provide free education for women up to the undergraduate level and the implementation of stipends for female students. He further noted that the Family Card project is designed to improve women’s financial self-reliance and increase their role in household decision-making.
The meeting was also attended by State Minister for Foreign Affairs-1 Humayun Kabir and State Minister for Foreign Affairs-2 Shama Obaid Islam.
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