Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal on Sunday sought technical and financial support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to introduce an e-Parliament system and strengthen Bangladesh’s parliamentary institutions.
He made the request during a courtesy meeting with a UNDP delegation led by UNDP Bangladesh Deputy Resident Representative Sonali Dayaratne at his office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, according to a press release.
The two sides exchanged views on Bangladesh’s parliamentary democracy and discussed possible initiatives to improve parliamentary practices and legislative functions.
Kayser Kamal said the government was giving the highest priority to the education and health sectors. He said laws also needed timely amendments to remain relevant and effective as society evolved and people’s needs changed.
The Deputy Speaker welcomed a UNDP proposal to introduce a parliamentary fellowship or internship programme, which would allow recent graduates to work at the Parliament Library and develop their knowledge of parliamentary affairs.
He stressed that future parliamentary projects should not duplicate initiatives already being implemented by the European Union or other development partners.
Seeking UNDP support for the proposed e-Parliament initiative, Kayser Kamal expressed hope that the organisation would provide technical expertise and financial assistance to modernise parliamentary operations.
The meeting also discussed opportunities for exchanges between lawmakers from Bangladesh and Nepal. The Deputy Speaker supported the proposal, saying such exchanges could help strengthen parliamentary practices.
He also emphasised the need to enact necessary legislation to make parliamentary standing committees more effective.
Kayser Kamal welcomed UNDP’s initiative to organise orientation programmes for MPs to advance the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
