IPU pledges support for Bangladesh’s democratic rebuilding

Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Secretary General Anda Filip has reaffirmed the IPU’s support for Bangladesh in rebuilding democracy, promoting inclusive parliamentary practices and resolving political differences through peaceful dialogue.
She made the commitment during a series of meetings with Bangladesh’s parliamentary leadership on Monday during her visit to the Jatiya Sangsad.
Anda Filip arrived in Dhaka on Sunday night leading a three-member IPU delegation. The delegation held high-level discussions with key parliamentary figures, including the speaker.
Addressing a views-exchange meeting with women and young members of the Parliament, Anda said parliament has a crucial role in promoting democracy, protecting human rights and fostering an inclusive political environment where differences can be resolved through dialogue.
She urged women MPs to engage with the IPU’s Forum of Women Parliamentarians, Standing Committee on United Nations Affairs and other programmes.
During her call on Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Anda Filip said democratic reforms, constitutional amendments and restoring public trust in Parliament were key to fulfilling Bangladesh’s democratic aspirations.
The Speaker said the latest national election was among the country’s freest, most competitive and fairest, adding that the 13th Parliament was working to reflect the people’s democratic aspirations.
Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal, Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam and Parliament Secretariat Secretary Barrister Md Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan, among others, were present at the meeting.
The IPU secretary-general also met Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman at his office in the Parliament Building. The meeting focused on strengthening the effectiveness of parliament and making it a central platform for meaningful debate.
Dr Shafiqur Rahman underscored the importance of equal participation by the government and opposition in parliamentary affairs and stressed the need for regular dialogue on national and international issues.
During a separate meeting with Md Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan, he briefed the IPU chief on parliamentary procedures, the committee system and the legislative process.
Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, after a meeting with the IPU chief, said that Bangladesh needed support from the international community to rebuild democracy, stressing that the participation of young people had played an important role in the country’s democratic transition.
Ruling BNP MPs Sayeed Al Noman and Mst Tahsina Rushdir Luna and opposition MP Akhtar Hossain were present at the meeting.
Anda Filip invited a Bangladeshi parliamentary delegation to participate in the IPU’s upcoming conference in Tanzania.
Anda Filip and her delegation also visited the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum, where they viewed exhibits on the 2024 uprising and were briefed on allegations of enforced disappearances, killings, and political repression under the previous government.
The Director General of the museum welcomed the delegation. Woman MPs Jahrat Adib Chowdhury, Mansura Alam and Dr Sansila Jebrin were present at the time.