UNDP Offers Support for E-Parliament and Digital Training

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has expressed its keen interest in providing technical and operational support for implementing an e-Parliament system, organizing digital orientation and training for newly elected MPs, and advancing gender equality policies in the National Parliament. UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh, Stephen Rodriques, conveyed this during a courtesy call on Speaker Major (Retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikrom on Wednesday (October 14).

During the meeting held at the Speaker's office, the UNDP Resident Representative stated that the organization’s partnership with Bangladesh has evolved significantly over time. Highlighting that the current parliament reflects public aspirations, he noted that UNDP stands ready to facilitate specialized orientation programs and technical training modules for first-time lawmakers.

He further stated that UNDP is particularly interested in supporting MPs with gender equality policy frameworks and the technical deployment of an automated e-Parliament system.

Welcoming the initiative, the Speaker stated that UNDP has been a long-standing development partner in Bangladesh, playing a significant role in promoting parliamentary democracy through various technology-driven and structural development projects.

Criticizing the previous administration's 15-year tenure, the Speaker stated that extrajudicial killings, money laundering, and enforced disappearances had severely compromised fundamental rights during that period. He added that the recent national elections restored democracy in the country, noting that UN human rights investigation reports highlighted the grave realities of the previous regime.

Addressing the Rohingya crisis, the Speaker stated that Bangladesh faces severe socio-economic strain due to the prolonged presence of nearly 1.5 million displaced Rohingya refugees. He sought UNDP's active international cooperation to facilitate a sustainable repatriation process.

The discussion also covered global human rights dynamics, capacity-building programs for female MPs, and sustainable energy transitions. The Speaker noted that the opposition is actively participating in parliamentary proceedings and policy debates. Praising female parliamentarians, he stated that their contributions across various sectors and legislative functions are commendable.

He also announced that Barrister Zohrat Adib Chowdhury, Chairman of the Standing Committee on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has been elected as an Executive Committee member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) for a four-year term at its 153rd assembly.

Senior officials, including Barrister Md. Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan, Secretary of the Parliament Secretariat, alongside representatives from UNDP, were present during the meeting.

 //DBTech/BTNS/SMP/OEM//