Staff Reporter:
Chief Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad Md. Nurul Islam Moni yesterday called for strengthening parliamentary democracy, economic cooperation and investment ties between Bangladesh and the European Union (EU).
“Parliamentary democratic practices have returned to Bangladesh after a long time, and the government remains committed to implementing the July National Charter,” he said when EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller made a courtesy call on him at his office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban yesterday.
During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations, parliamentary democratic practices, economic cooperation, expansion of trade and investment, labor rights and progress in constitutional amendment initiatives.
The Chief Whip said the government had held meetings with political parties, constitutional experts, teachers, journalists, July uprising fighters and representatives of different sections of society to implement the July National Charter.
He said the government had repeatedly invited the opposition to participate in the relevant committees, adding that the door for dialogue remained open, said a press release of parliament secretariat.
Nurul Islam Moni said the opposition could present its views in parliament instead of resorting to street movements, describing the Jatiya Sangsad as the central institution of democratic governance.
He said parliamentary discussions could help resolve differences of opinion and strengthen the democratic process.
The meeting also underscored the importance of forming a Bangladesh-EU Parliamentary Friendship Group to facilitate exchanges of experience among lawmakers and make parliamentary activities more dynamic.
They also discussed cooperation in parliamentary budget management and strengthening the institutional capacity of democratic institutions.
The discussions covered increasing European investment in Bangladesh, expanding bilateral trade and organising an international investment forum.
The Chief Whip also outlined the government’s position on amendments to labour laws, protection of workers’ rights, ensuring the effective role of trade unions and maintaining stability in the industrial sector.
They further discussed strengthening public confidence through democratic continuity, transparency and accountability while sustaining the country’s economic development and infrastructure progress.
EU Ambassador Michael Miller appreciated the role of the Jatiya Sangsad in the context of the return of the democratic system in Bangladesh after a long period.
At the meeting, both sides expressed optimism that the friendly relations between Bangladesh and the EU, democratic values and cooperation in areas of mutual interest would be further strengthened in the future
