PM: 'After a long struggle, we have been able to bring democracy back'
PM Tarique Rahman. Photo: Reuters.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held a courtesy meeting with Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Secretary Anda Filip. The meeting took place today, Tuesday, at the Prime Minister's Office in the Secretariat.
Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin said during the meeting, Anda Filip highly lauded Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's leadership.
"The Prime Minister's regular participation in National Parliament sessions sends a strong message of his firm commitment to parliamentary democracy," said Shahadat Shadhin, quoting Filip.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said, "After a long struggle, we have been able to re-establish democracy in the country. We have fought for democracy for a long time. During this time, countless leaders and activists of our party have been subjected to enforced disappearances and killings. Nearly 4 million leaders and activists have been slapped with false cases."
"Finally, through the election held on February 12, we have been able to facilitate the democratic process in the country," the PM added.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman holds a courtesy meeting with Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Secretary Anda Filip. Photo: Collected.
Citing BNP's contributions as a party to establishing democracy, Tarique Rahman said, "BNP not only restored multi-party democracy, but parliamentary democracy in this country has also come through this party."
"We still face some challenges ahead. However, we are optimistic and firmly committed to democracy. People's expectations regarding democracy are high," said Tareq Rahman.
The head of government said his administration is working to protect every citizen's constitutional rights and ensure essential services for the people.
During the meeting, the IPU Secretary said he had read BNP's election manifesto. He praised various initiatives taken in the education sector and community-based programs outlined in the manifesto.
Anda Filip also praised Bangladesh's progress in parliamentary democracy, saying that if this trend continues, public confidence in state institutions and the democratic system will be further strengthened.
Anda Filip said the IPU is interested in further strengthening experience-sharing and cooperation with the Bangladesh National Parliament.
She expressed her hope that "the Bangladesh National Parliament Speaker's participation in the IPU's 153rd Assembly to be held in Tanzania will further strengthen Bangladesh's parliamentary relations with the IPU."
State Minister for Foreign Affairs-1 Humayun Kabir and State Minister for Foreign Affairs-2 Shama Obaed were also present during the meeting.
